In the past few days, there have been reports of 15 deaths in Lagos State caused by a severe cholera outbreak, as confirmed by the State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi.
Abayomi, in an announcement made on Saturday, disclosed that there have been 350 suspected cases reported, out of which 17 have been confirmed to be cholera, resulting in the 15 deaths mentioned.
Following the initial alert and advisory issued by the state Ministry of Health regarding the cholera outbreak, the government has activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) at Mainland Hospital, Yaba, Lagos.
The PHEOC was assembled to address the growing number of severe gastroenteritis cases reported across various local government areas in the state.
Recent laboratory investigations and test results have confirmed the cholera sub-type O-1, a subtype linked to a more severe form of the disease. The daily pattern of new cases varies across different LGAs as reported in our ongoing surveillance and monitoring.
Despite the increase in numbers compared to three days ago, the cases in previously affected LGAs have significantly decreased due to interventions and surveillance efforts. However, some new cases are being recorded in LGAs that were previously unaffected, highlighting the importance of residents strictly following precautionary and hygiene measures.
The state Ministry of Health has held discussions with the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr. Jide Idris, and key partners from the World Health Organisation to enhance all intervention strategies.
The commissioner urged residents to support the government’s initiatives by adhering to precautionary measures, collaborating with health authorities, and engaging in community-wide sanitation activities to curb the spread of cholera, especially with the upcoming Eid al-Adha celebration around the corner.