Prof Akin Abayomi, the Health Commissioner of Lagos State, has revealed that laboratory tests on samples have confirmed the presence of a highly aggressive and contagious strain of cholera causing the current outbreak in the state. This strain has the potential for widespread dissemination, as stated by Abayomi on his Instagram page @profakinabayomi while providing an update on the cholera situation in the state.
Cholera, a disease transmitted through contaminated water and food, is caused by the ingestion of the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. The disease can result in severe acute watery diarrhea, with fatal consequences if left untreated.
In Nigeria, cholera is a seasonal disease that is endemic, mostly occurring during the rainy season and prevalent in areas with inadequate sanitation.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has raised concerns about the escalating number of cholera cases during the intensification of the rainy season.
According to the Center, ten states, including Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos, account for 90% of the current cholera outbreak burden.
In 2022, the World Health Organization reported 473,000 cases of cholera, twice the number from the previous year, with a projected increase of 700,000 cases in 2023.
Recent data from the World Health Organization indicates a total of 145,900 cholera cases and 1,766 deaths reported across 24 countries in five WHO regions, with Africa recording the highest numbers.
Abayomi mentioned that due to community-based case identification and contact tracing, the number of cases has peaked and is now decreasing.
The distribution of suspected cholera cases by Local Government Area shows that the outbreak’s epicenter is Lagos Island, with 106 cases, followed by Kosofe with 49 cases, Eti-Osa with 38, Lagos Mainland with 30, Ojo with 17, and Ikorodu with 16, among others.
Out of 350 suspected cases, 17 have been confirmed, resulting in 15 deaths due to severe dehydration from delayed treatment.
Abayomi stated, “We have reported 350 suspected cases of cholera in 29 wards across multiple LGAs in Lagos State, with 17 confirmed cases and 15 fatalities due to severe dehydration from delayed presentation.
“We are receiving assistance from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, as well as international partners such as the WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund.
“Local Non-Governmental organizations are actively raising awareness and conducting community-based surveillance efforts.”
He emphasized that the state is heightening its public health campaigns, especially during the Sallah celebrations, to mitigate the transmission risks associated with gatherings and catering services and prevent a resurgence of the disease.
“Suspected cases are receiving free treatment at our public health facilities in line with public health response protocols,” he added.