Cholera is a serious waterborne disease that can spread rapidly, especially in densely populated areas like Lagos, Nigeria. Cholera is often caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which is linked to contaminated water and food, poor sanitation, and inadequate hygiene practices.
In this blog post, we explore practical tips for preventing cholera, especially for people living in Lagos. Let’s dive right in.
1. Ensure Safe Drinking Water
Water is one of the most common sources of cholera transmission.
To stay safe:
- Drink Treated Water: Always drink water that has been boiled, filtered, or treated with chlorine. Bottled water from reputable brands is also a safe option.
Store Water Properly: Use clean, covered containers to store water, and avoid dipping hands or utensils into the container.
2. Practice Good Hygiene
Good hygiene is your first line of defence against cholera:
- Wash Your Hands: Use soap and clean water to wash your hands frequently, especially before eating, after using the toilet, and after handling waste. Also, wash your hands when you get home.
Here is a washing hand guide by the CDC
- Use Hand Sanitizer: As a rule, have a personal hand sanitizer that you carry about. When water and soap are not available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Keep Surfaces Clean: Regularly clean and disinfect kitchen surfaces, utensils, and food preparation areas. At Eden, we specialize in ensuring that surfaces are not just clean but also disinfected.
Check our cleaning services here
3. Eat Safe Food
Food can easily become contaminated, so it’s important to be cautious:
- Cook Food Thoroughly: Ensure that all food, especially seafood and meat, is cooked thoroughly before eating. Eat food immediately after cooking or reheat it before eating.
- Choose Vendors Wisely: Buy food and drinks only from vendors you know practice good hygiene and store food safely.
- Wash Fruits and Vegetables: Rinse fruits and vegetables with clean water before eating or cooking them.
4. Maintain Proper Sanitation
Proper sanitation is key to preventing cholera:
- Use Proper Toilets: Always use clean and functional toilets. Avoid open defecation, as it can contaminate water sources.
- Dispose of Waste Safely: Ensure that garbage and sewage are disposed of properly to prevent contamination.
5. Stay Informed
Knowledge is power when it comes to cholera prevention:
- Follow Public Health Advisories: Pay attention to updates from local health authorities like the Ministry of Health, about cholera outbreaks and follow their recommendations.
- Educate Others: Share cholera prevention tips with family, friends, and community members to raise awareness. Share our blog post!
- Know the Symptoms: Cholera symptoms include severe diarrhoea, vomiting, and dehydration. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Rehydrate: If cholera is suspected, oral rehydration solutions (ORS) can help prevent severe dehydration while waiting for medical care.
6. Consider Vaccination
Vaccines like this exist to prevent Cholera. Consult a healthcare provider to learn more about the cholera vaccine and whether it’s right for you.
Final Thoughts
Cholera is a preventable disease, but it thrives in environments with poor water sanitation and hygiene. By taking the right precautions—drinking safe water, maintaining hygiene, eating well-cooked food, and acting quickly when symptoms arise—you can protect yourself and your loved ones.