Vaccination specialists and medical professionals recommend mass vaccination as a cost-effective solution to combat cholera outbreaks.

They advise individuals who have not yet been vaccinated against this food and water-borne disease to get vaccinated promptly. The rapid spread of cholera in Lagos and beyond underscores the need for immediate and proactive measures to prevent further loss of life.

According to the Lagos State Government’s latest update on June 15, 2024, there have been 15 confirmed deaths related to the outbreak.

The state Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, in a statement, disclosed that “350 suspected cases of cholera were reported in 29 wards across multiple Local Government Areas in Lagos State with 17 confirmed cases and 15 fatalities so far.”

The World Health Organization states that cholera continues to pose a significant threat to public health globally, and its prevalence highlights existing disparities and inadequate social development.

The organization estimates that cholera affects between 1.3 and 4 million people and causes between 21,000 to 143,000 deaths worldwide annually.

The global health body stated, “Cholera is an extremely serious disease that can cause severe acute watery diarrhoea with severe dehydration. It takes between 12 hours and five days for a person to show symptoms after consuming contaminated food or water.

“It affects both children and adults and can kill within hours if untreated. Most people infected with Vibrio cholerae do not develop any symptoms, although the bacteria are present in their faeces for 1-10 days after infection.

“This means the bacteria are shed back into the environment, potentially infecting other people. Cholera is often predictable and preventable.

“It can ultimately be eliminated where access to clean water and sanitation facilities, as well as good hygiene practices, are ensured and sustained for the whole population.”

According to Professor Tanimola Akande, a renowned public health expert at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, vaccination is a crucial and cost-effective strategy in combating cholera outbreaks.

However, the effectiveness of vaccination varies depending on the type of vaccine and the characteristics of the population being targeted. While vaccination is an essential tool, it is not a standalone solution for controlling and preventing cholera epidemics.

Instead, it must be combined with other measures, such as ensuring access to clean water and proper sanitation, which are critical preventive measures.

As a seasoned epidemiologist, Akande emphasized the importance of a multi-faceted approach to tackle the spread of cholera.

He highlighted, “Water consumption should be from sources that are not contaminated with cholera, and there should be proper sanitation in the form of proper faecal waste disposal.

“Water sources should not be contaminated. There should also be an adequate surveillance system that can detect cases early and appropriate control measures, including treatment of cases.”

Advising the government and the masses on what should be done, Akande, who is also a vaccine expert, said, “The governments at all levels need to intensify efforts towards zero tolerance for open defecation.

“All buildings should have functional toilets or ventilated improved pit latrines. Also, the supply of potable water in all communities is essential.”

The government must intensify health education campaigns that promote personal hygiene and strengthen food hygiene practices, according to Professor Akande.

Dr. Cynthia Okafor, a gynecologist and obstetrician at Epe General Hospital, Lagos, emphasized the need to eliminate open defecation, a risky practice that can exacerbate the situation.

She urged mothers to be vigilant, monitor their children for symptoms, and seek immediate medical attention if they suspect cholera.

Dr. Okafor explained that there are three WHO-approved oral cholera vaccines – Dukoral, Shanchol, and Euvichol-Plus – which require two doses for full protection.

She detailed the administration guidelines for Dukoral, noting that it is commonly used for travelers and offers two-year protection against cholera after two doses.

The vaccines play a crucial role in combating cholera, and awareness and education are essential in preventing the spread of the disease.

“There are other ones called shanchol and euvichol-plus. They have the same vaccine formula but are produced by two different manufacturers. They do not require a buffer solution for administration.

“They are given to all individuals over the age of one year and there has to be a minimum of two weeks delay between each dose of these two vaccines. Two doses of Shanchol and Euvichol-Plus protect against cholera for at least three years, while one dose provides short-term protection,” she further elaborated.

Dr. Okafor emphasized that while vaccination is crucial, it should not divert resources away from other essential health measures that are also critical in controlling and preventing cholera outbreaks.

In other words, vaccination should be implemented in conjunction with, not at the expense of, other high-priority interventions.