Ogun Government raised the alarm on Sunday night over the reported outbreak of gastroenteritis in some parts of the state.

In the developing world, especially sub-Saharan Africa, cholera is the common cause of gastroenteritis while the latter, on the other hand, is a short-term illness triggered by the infection and inflammation of the digestive system

The outbreak was reportedly recorded in Magboro, Ofada area of Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, in a late night statement, confirmed the outbreak .

Coker said the reported case of the outbreak was predominantly recorded among okada riders and scavengers in the area.

According to her, the index case who was reported to have returned from a trip outside the state has been linked to the source of the outbreak, while the common public toilet used has been the channel of transmission.

Coker in the statement said ” the causative agent cannot be confirmed yet because appropriate sample could not be collected as there were no active case yet to commence antibiotics.”

The Commissioner pointed out that a number of people are currently receiving treatment to control the number of casualties.

He also noted that an unregistered clinic run by a quack has also contributed to the outbreak, as the cases were being managed unreported.

Dr. Coker, however, said a treatment centre has been set up at the Magboro-Akeran Health Centre where treatment items have been made available by the Department of Public Health, Ogun State Ministry of Health.

She added that “neighbouring communities have equally been sensitised on steps to take and where to seek care or report any suspicious cases, while the suspected public toilet had been sealed for sanitisation.”

According to her, traditional rulers in the area have also been engaged for their support in keeping their communities safe and calm, while healthcare workers continue active surveillance in the affected community.