The cholera outbreak in Lagos has claimed 21 lives, with 401 suspected cases reported across the state as of Thursday.
Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, updated the public on the outbreak, noting that the cases have spread to various parts of Lagos, with Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti Osa being the most affected.
During a briefing with the Lagos State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC), Ogunyemi highlighted that the death toll has increased from 15 to 21. She attributed the rise in cases to the recent Ileya festivities, which saw large gatherings, although she mentioned that the number of suspected cases is now declining in many local government areas due to the government’s intervention efforts.
The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Health and other agencies, is actively monitoring the situation and implementing measures to control the spread of cholera. Ogunyemi stated that the Ministry, in collaboration with the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), is collecting samples from water sources, food, and beverages to pinpoint the source of contamination. Enhanced surveillance activities are also being conducted in communities, particularly in the most affected areas.
Ogunyemi emphasized the cooperation with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the Ministry of Tertiary Education to ensure safety measures are in place as schools reopen. She urged residents to maintain good hand hygiene and participate in community sanitation efforts to prevent further spread of the disease.
She advised individuals experiencing symptoms such as watery diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, malaise, and fever to seek immediate medical attention. Ogunyemi reassured the public that cholera treatment is free at all public health facilities.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is dedicated to providing quality and affordable healthcare to Lagos residents. Ogunyemi expressed gratitude to local, national, and international partners, including UNICEF, WHO, NCDC, NIMR, and the Red Cross, for their support in addressing the outbreak. She also thanked the team of healthcare professionals and volunteers working tirelessly to combat the disease.
Cholera, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, is a water and food-borne disease that can lead to severe acute watery diarrhea. In its most severe form, cholera can be fatal within hours if left untreated. In Nigeria, the disease is endemic and tends to occur seasonally, particularly during the rainy season and in areas with poor sanitation.