The ongoing cholera outbreak in Nigeria has killed six more people in Lagos as suspected cases jumped 14.5 percent to hit 401 in about a week, Kemi Ogunyemi, special adviser to the state governor on Health disclosed on Thursday.
She identified Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti Osa local government areas as the stronghold of the outbreak, recording the highest numbers.
Akin Abayomi, the commissioner for Health in a statement last week said the state confirmed 17 cases from a total of 350 suspected cases.
15 of those confirmed cases resulted in deaths. The death of six more people brings the total casualties to 21.
Providing an update on the outbreak after meeting with the Lagos State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC), Ogunyemi said the rise in cases was anticipated after the just concluded Muslim festivity, which recorded large gatherings.
She however noted that suspected cases are subsiding particularly in previously affected LGAs due to interventions and surveillance efforts.
The special adviser stated that the Lagos State Government is maintaining rigorous surveillance and monitoring of the situation.
It has also implemented planned programs and activities to curb the spread, she said.
“The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Environment and its agency, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), continues to collect samples of water sources, food, and beverages to identify the source of contamination. We have also intensified our surveillance activities in communities, particularly in affected local government areas, to address the situation head-on,” Ogunyemi said.
“We are also working with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education as well as the Ministry of Tertiary Education to ensure all precautions are taken in our schools to protect children and scholars as they return. Residents must, however, remain vigilant, practice good hand hygiene, and participate in community sanitation activities to stop the spread of cholera.”
She advised that citizens should seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms such as watery diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, general malaise, and fever, stressing that treatment for cholera is provided free of charge at all public health facilities.
While noting that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to ensuring that residents of Lagos receive quality and affordable health care, the Special Adviser extended the gratitude of the State Government to local, national, and international partners—including UNICEF, WHO, NCDC, NIMR, Red Cross, and others—for their support in combating the outbreak.
“Appreciation is also extended to the dedicated team of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, lab scientists, environmental health officers, Water Corporation officers, surveillance officers, heads of agencies, members of PHEOC, and volunteers who are working around the clock to combat the disease and keep Lagos safe,” Ogunyemi said.
