These days, being Nigerian often feels like living in a never-ending drama. The country is in disarray, with no sector thriving—health, agriculture, education, technology—all are in shambles. We're constantly bombarded with negative news about our economy, government, and leaders so much that it's hard to stay optimistic.
Recently, the National Labour Congress went on strike over minimum wage, plunging the nation into darkness as the national grid was shut. We all laughed and made jokes about it, but it's more than a bad joke; it’s a sad coping mechanism for a broken system, and that is what we are being reduced to. Can you imagine that Nigeria—the giant of Africa—can’t even make it into the top 10 minimum wages on the continent? Embarrassing!
These past few weeks, I have been brewing this somewhat ominous feeling that the worst is yet to come. What future awaits us? What’s worse than a country trapped in economic recession and poverty? A nation struck by a highly transmissible disease—an epidemic, and we are treading this precarious path.
My brothers and sisters now is the time for us to work together as a state to uplift ourselves from this predicament, and the first step to doing that is saving our lives and combating the enemy at hand—Cholera.
Cholera in Lagos: A Growing Crisis
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if you have not heard, there is an outbreak of cholera in Lagos, and it’s spreading like wildfire in the Harmattan. As of June 12, there have been 324 suspected cases, 15 deaths, and 40 recoveries. I fear this is only the beginning, and the situation may worsen unless swift action is taken. The convergence of poverty and a widespread epidemic like cholera is a disaster waiting to happen.
Lagos State government has an enormous task, and to even think they’re up to it is almost comical. Look, my main concern isn’t that the government lacks a solution to our problems; it’s that this administration unfortunately doesn’t have a clear understanding of the issues crippling the state and our environment. Can you imagine an administration that doesn’t seem to grasp the solution to the state’s problems being saddled with the responsibility of curtailing a cholera epidemic? I laughed, to be honest.
So, at this stage, if you’re still looking to the government for a solution to our problems, I think you have lost the plot. Part of the problems we face in this country that have plagued us for so long is our inability to act in concert. What I am trying to say to you is: we need to work together as a state to uplift ourselves from this shithole of a predicament we’ve found ourselves in, and the first step to doing that is saving our lives and curtailing the enemy at hand—Cholera.
Understanding Cholera
Cholera is a severe infection caused by ingesting contaminated food or water. It is more than just a simple case of diarrhea and can lead to death. Cholera is a significant global issue caused by poverty and inadequate sanitation. It releases a toxin in the small intestine, causing the body to release water, leading to dehydration, vomiting, kidney failure, and even death. Embarrassingly, Nigeria continues to struggle with this problem, despite London having solved it centuries ago.
How to Detect Cholera
Cholera typically starts with severe diarrhea, characterized by watery stools that resemble water used to rinse raw rice, often referred to as "rice water stool." Watch out for vomiting or persistent nausea. The real danger lies in rapid dehydration, which can occur within hours of infection if not promptly treated. Dehydration can progress quickly, leading to irritability, muscle cramps, shock, and even death if left unchecked.
Many years ago, after a birthday party I attended, I got a mild case of diarrhea from overeating. Although it was mild by historical and medical standards, it was still the most painful experience of my life. For about three days, I spent hours on the toilet, legs shaking, feeling slightly delirious. Towards the end, the diarrhea had turned whitish watery mucus, resembling rice water (sorry to disgust you). The pain in my asshole was so intense that I wedged my head against my khaki shorts to distract myself from what felt like a gradual disemboweling. I prayed, cursed god, lamented, and swore never to eat at another party. Eventually, after a few doses of Flagyl and tetracycline, everything cleared up and I was back to normal.
Considering it now, what if I just had a mild case of cholera and my immune system fought it off effectively? While cholera can sometimes resolve without treatment, it's a reckless and potentially life-threatening gamble. If you're in Lagos, particularly on the Island, and experiencing symptoms like diarrhea, dehydration, or vomiting, seek immediate medical attention at a hospital; it could as well be cholera! Don't be as negligent as I was many years back. I could have died, you know?
Each year, an estimated 1.3 to 4 million people worldwide contract cholera, resulting in between 21,000 to 143,000 deaths. However, with early and proper treatment, even severely ill patients have a good chance of recovery.
Preventing Cholera
Now, you might be asking yourself, "How can I prevent cholera?" Here are some important things to keep in mind:
- First and foremost, always ensure the water you drink is safe. If it's not bottled, sealed, treated, or certified, it's best to avoid it.
- Regularly wash your hands with soap and water, particularly after using the toilet, and maintain cleanliness in your toilet area.
- Be cautious about where and what you eat—avoid eating out if possible. When unavoidable, ensure that food is thoroughly cooked or served piping hot.
- Maintain a clean environment around you.
- Lastly, consider getting vaccinated as a preventive measure.
Not to state the obvious, but cholera spreads through the fecal-oral route. Now is not the time to indulge in the gutter behavior of eating ass. Why is any sane person even eating anyone's ass in the first place? Disgusting behavior!
On a more serious note, remember that prevention is better than cure. Practice proper hygiene, cook your meals thoroughly, wash your fruits, don't patronize street food, and yeah, don't eat ass. Stay safe, rooting for ya!
Please report any suspected cholera cases in Lagos to; 08023169485 or 08137412348.
