In Lagos State, the government has officially verified 17 cases of cholera out of 350 suspected cases spread across 29 local wards.
As stated in an announcement made on Saturday, the government has reported 15 deaths resulting from the cholera outbreak.
The Director of Public Affairs at the state Ministry of Health, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, highlighted that the Public Health Emergency Operations Center has been activated at the Mainland Hospital in Yaba, Lagos.
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The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, shared details on the steps being taken to manage the outbreak in Lagos State.
“We have received reports of 350 suspected cholera cases in 29 wards across various local government areas in Lagos State, leading to 17 confirmed cases and 15 deaths,” the statement excerpt read.
Prof. Abayomi mentioned, “Laboratory tests have confirmed the presence of Cholera sub-type O-1, which is linked with severe illness. The daily occurrence of new cases varies in different LGAs based on our surveillance and monitoring.”
He further explained, “Although there has been an increase in reported cases compared to three days ago, the numbers are now decreasing significantly in previously affected areas due to our interventions. However, we are observing new cases in areas that were previously unaffected, underlining the importance for residents to strictly adhere to hygiene practices.”
The Ministry of Health’s Directorate of Environmental Health, in collaboration with the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, has been collecting samples from water sources and food supplies in the affected LGAs. Concurrently, facility inspections are ongoing.
“Cholera kits are being made readily available in healthcare facilities across the state. Our strategies to combat the outbreak encompass the distribution of Oral Rehydration Solutions and public health awareness campaigns,” Abayomi added.
Abayomi emphasized that a high-level team from the Ministry of Health has recently met with the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Jide Idris, alongside WHO partners, to maximize all efforts.
He urged residents to support the government’s initiatives by strictly following preventive measures, collaborating with health authorities, and engaging in community sanitation drives to curb cholera spread, notably with the approaching Sallah celebration.
“During the festive Ileya season, it is crucial for residents to consume safe water, cook food thoroughly, practice personal hygiene, maintain regular handwashing routines, use sanitizers, and avoid crowded spaces,” he advised.
He stressed the importance of promptly reporting symptoms like watery diarrhea or vomiting to prevent further community transmission and save lives.
“Government hospitals offer free treatment for suspected cholera individuals as part of the standard public health response,” he assured.
“We will maintain close monitoring of the situation and deliver updates regularly. Residents are advised to stay informed and comply with public health directives for their safety and well-being during this period,” he concluded.