Cholera Outbreak: Oyo Rep, Oseni Urges Constituents to Stay Vigilant, Embrace Proper Sanitation

Amid the recent cholera outbreak in some parts of Oyo State, Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni, has called on residents of his constituency to stay vigilant, urging them to strictly adhere to sanitation protocols to help prevent the further spread of the deadly disease.

Reports indicate that over 130 people are suspected to have contracted cholera in Oyo State, with nine confirmed cases. Most of the suspected cases have been traced to six local government areas, including Ibadan North West, Ibadan South West, Ido, Akinyele, and Atiba.

The Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, confirmed the outbreak, noting that six patients admitted to the Infectious Disease Centre in Olodo have since been discharged.

In a statement issued through his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, in Ibadan, Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, expressed concern over the cholera cases.

He emphasised that cholera, a waterborne disease that thrives in unsanitary conditions, can be curbed with proper preventive measures.

“We must uphold good hygiene standards and ensure our water sources are clean and safe for consumption,” the APC chieftain said. “Cholera is preventable, but it requires the collective effort of every individual in the community.”

Oseni underscored the importance of regular handwashing, proper waste disposal, and treating drinking water as essential steps to minimize the risk of infection. He also warned against consuming food from unhygienic sources, stressing that cholera-causing bacteria can easily contaminate both water and food.

The lawmaker further called on local authorities and health workers to intensify public awareness campaigns about the symptoms of cholera, which include severe diarrhea and vomiting—both of which can lead to dehydration and death if not treated promptly.

“By being proactive in our hygiene practices and seeking medical help at the first signs of illness, we can collectively prevent the further spread of cholera,” he stated. “Let us prioritise the health and well-being of our people by taking this threat seriously.”