Cases of severe gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestine confirmed to be caused by cholera, have been detected in Kirikiri Medium Security Prison in Lagos State.
The state government confirmed in a statement on Sunday that it detected 25 cases of cholera-induced gastroenteritis, showing a possible spread of the infectious disease into correctional facilities in the state.
This discovery contradicts the previous position of the National Correctional Service (NCoS) spokesperson, Abubakar Umar, who had declared correctional centres cholera-free only four days ago.
He said the routine hygienic measures implemented in every correctional centre nationwide have kept the rampaging disease outside their walls.
He said these facilities have health professionals who consistently educate staff and inmates on basic hygiene mechanisms, including hand washing, clean environment and proper food handling.
“Due to these measures, we have not recorded any cholera outbreak or epidemic in our custodial centres.”
However, in the statement shared on Sunday, the Director of Public Affairs in the state’s health ministry, Tunbosun Ogunbawo, said officials have begun inspecting facilities across the state and correcting existing sanitation and water issues where required.
