Agency An Epidemiologist and Medical Officer of Health at the Ifelodun Local Council Development Authority, Dr Japhet Olugbogi, has warned Nigerians against using a combination of carbonated drinks and seasoning cubes to prevent and treat cholera. The expert, who is the former Head of NMA Lagos COVID-19 Response Team, gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Lagos. His warning came in response to several social media posts touting the use of Coca-Cola and Maggi combination as strong cocktails for the treatment of cholera.
Olugbogi said the mixture was not a medical solution, noting that toxicology tests from the combination might be harmful to the health and well-being of individuals. He said, “That combination I believe is more expensive than using Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS). Why would anybody want to substitute ORS for Maggi and Coca-Cola? “That’s alarming.
ORS is a solution that’s tested, proven and trusted to treat cholera or diarrhea or gastroenteritis disease. “If somebody has hypoglycemia (low sugar), of course, the individual can be given Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Sprite, Miranda or Fanta, or any of those carbonated drinks but in measured doses. “Combining Coca-Cola with Maggi for cholera treatment is not a medical solution,” he further warned.
The public health expert emphasised that cholera could be easily treated through prompt administration of ORS or preparing the salt and sugar solution to help individuals. He recal.
