The Lagos State Government has confirmed that the cholera outbreak in the state has claimed 15 lives, with 350 suspected cases reported across 29 wards in multiple local government areas.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, confirmed the development in statement issued on Saturday in Lagos.
While noting that the number of confirmed cases stands at 17, Abayomi emphasized that the situation requires caution, especially during the Eid-ul-Adha celebration.
“The laboratory investigation and test results have so far confirmed cholera sub type O-1. This subtype is associated with more severe disease.
“The pattern of new cases per day varies across Local government areas, according to our ongoing surveillance and monitoring updates.
“Although this is an increase from the numbers published three days ago, cases are now dramatically subsiding in previously affected local government areas due to our interventions and surveillance efforts.
“However, we are recording some new cases in previously unaffected local government areas, signaling the need for residents to adhere strictly to precautionary, personal, and environmental hygiene measures,” he said.
The commissioner said that the state had activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) at Mainland Hospital, Yaba, in response to the outbreak.
He said that the PHEOC was convened to address the increasing number of severe gastroenteritis cases across multiple local government areas of the state.
“The Directorate of Environmental Health of the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency of the Ministry of Environment, have collected samples of water sources, food and beverage samples in all the affected LGAs, while inspections of facilities are ongoing.
“We are prepositioning cholera kits in health facilities across the state. Our efforts to control the outbreak also include the distribution of oral rehydration solutions, public health education campaigns,” he said.
Abayomi said that a high-level team from the state Ministry of Health just concluded a meeting with the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr Jide Idris, and his team, and key partners from the World Health Organisation to ensure all interventions are optimised.
Abayomi appealed to residents to support the state government’s efforts by adhering strictly to precautionary measures and cooperating with health authorities.
He also urged residents to participate in community-wide sanitation activities to mitigate the transmission of cholera, especially during the Eid-ul-Adha celebration.
“During this Sallah festive season, residents are advised to drink safe water, cook food thoroughly, maintain personal hygiene, wash hands regularly, use sanitiser, and avoid crowded places.
“Reporting symptoms like watery diarrhea or vomiting immediately is also crucial to save lives and prevent transmission to other members of the community.
“Treatment for suspected cholera is provided free of charge at all government facilities as part of governments standard public health response,” he said.