Confirmation has been made by the Lagos State government regarding 17 cases of cholera out of the 350 suspected cases in 29 wards across the state.
In an announcement on Saturday, it was revealed that there have been 15 recorded deaths so far.
The Director of Public Affairs at the state Ministry of Health, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, signed a statement indicating that the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre at Mainland Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, has been activated by the government.
A response to the rising number of severe gastroenteritis cases in multiple LGAs within the state was the main focus of the PHEOC’s convening, as mentioned in the statement.
In addressing the outbreak in Lagos State, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, elaborated on the steps taken.
“A total of 350 suspected cholera cases have been reported in 29 wards spanning multiple LGAs in Lagos State, with 17 confirmed cases and 15 fatalities as of now,” part of the statement revealed.
Prof. Abayomi was quoted as saying, “Cholera sub-type O-1 has been confirmed through laboratory investigation and test results, which is linked to more severe illness. The daily influx of new cases varies across LGAs based on our current surveillance and monitoring updates.
“Even though there has been an increase from the figures released three days ago, the number of cases in previously affected LGAs is now progressively declining due to our interventions and surveillance efforts. However, we are witnessing some new cases in LGAs that were previously untouched, indicating the necessity for residents to strictly adhere to preventive, personal, and environmental hygiene measures.”
Furthermore, he stated, “The Ministry of Health’s Directorate of Environmental Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment’s Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, has been collecting samples from water sources, food, and beverages in all affected LGAs, with facility inspections currently underway.
“We are strategically positioning cholera kits in health facilities throughout the State. Our strategies to combat the outbreak involve the distribution of Oral Rehydration Solutions and public health awareness campaigns.”
