As the cholera outbreak spreads to 30 states, resulting in at least 30 deaths, nutrition and public health experts are urging Nigerians to stop consuming unwashed fruits and vegetables.
They warn that such practices can increase the risk of cholera, as the disease spreads through contaminated food, water, or person-to-person contact due to poor hygiene.
Experts stress the importance of thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables under running water to prevent contamination by environmental bacteria. The Lagos State Ministry of Health confirmed 350 suspected cholera cases across 29 wards in multiple LGAs, with 17 confirmed cases and 15 deaths. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported 65 confirmed cholera cases with 30 deaths from January 1 to June 11, across 96 local governments in 30 states.
Cholera is a highly contagious disease spread through contaminated food and water, poor sanitation, and lack of handwashing. Symptoms include sudden onset of acute, painless watery diarrhea, with or without vomiting, nausea, profuse vomiting, and fever.
Severe cases can lead to death within hours due to dehydration, though about 80% of infected individuals may show mild or no symptoms. Early detection and treatment with oral rehydration solutions and appropriate antibiotics can save lives.
Professor Ngozi Nnam, a renowned nutritionist and President of the Federation of African Nutrition Societies, highlighted the cycle of diseases caused by unsafe food, such as cholera. Nnam emphasized that food safety involves preventing contamination during storage, processing, transportation, and preparation. Contamination by pathogens like bacteria, fungi, rodents, and insecticides can lead to diseases like cholera and diarrhea, the latter being a common reason for hospital visits among children under five.
Nnam advised that fruits and vegetables be washed thoroughly under running water before consumption to remove bacteria. She suggested using salt for washing, as it can destabilize bacteria. Additionally, vegetables should be washed to remove insect larvae that may have contaminated them on the farm.
Unwashed produce can lead to diarrhea and loss of nutrients, which are crucial for immune system support. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommend cooking fruits and vegetables for safety or, if consumed raw, ensuring they are washed thoroughly to avoid harmful germs like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria.
Dr. Jide Onyekwelu, a family physician and former Secretary-General of the Nigerian Medical Association, advised against consuming water from unsafe sources. He emphasized the need for the government to provide clean water to curb cholera outbreaks and stressed that without access to affordable drinking water and universal health coverage, more outbreaks are likely.
The NCDC advises preventing cholera through access to safe drinking water, proper sanitation, waste disposal, and hygiene practices, including handwashing. They also recommend avoiding raw fruits and vegetables, food from street vendors, and raw or undercooked seafood.