The Lagos State Government has confirmed 17 cases of cholera out of 350 suspected cases across 29 wards in the state.
In a statement released on Saturday, the government reported 15 fatalities resulting from the outbreak.
The statement, signed by Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, Director of Public Affairs at the state Ministry of Health, also mentioned that the government has activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) at Mainland Hospital in Yaba, Lagos.
The statement indicated that the PHEOC was convned to address the increasing number of severe gastroenteritis cases across multiple LGAs in the state.
It also mentioned that the Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, discussed the measures being implemented to control the outbreak in Lagos State.
“He revealed that 350 suspected cases of cholera were reported in 29 wards across multiple LGAs in Lagos State with 17 confirmed cases and 15 fatalities so far,” it read partly.
“The laboratory investigation and test results have so far confirmed Cholera sub-type O-1. This subtype is associated with more severe disease. The pattern of new cases per day varies across LGAs, according to our ongoing surveillance and monitoring updates.”
Prof Abayomi said although, this is an increase from the numbers published three days ago, cases are now dramatically subsiding in previously affected LGAs due to interventions and surveillance efforts.
He further noted the emergence of new cases in previously unaffected LGAs, emphasizing the need for residents to strictly adhere to precautionary, personal, and environmental hygiene measures.
“The Directorate of Environmental Health of the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency of the Ministry of Environment, has collected samples from water sources, food, and beverages in all affected LGAs, and inspections of facilities are ongoing,” he said.
“We are prepositioning cholera kits in health facilities across the state. Our efforts to control the outbreak also include the distribution of Oral Rehydration Solutions and public health education campaigns,” he explained.
The commissioner urged residents to support the State Government’s efforts by strictly following precautionary measures, cooperating with health authorities, and participating in community-wide sanitation activities to mitigate the spread of cholera, especially with the upcoming Sallah celebration.
Cholera outbreak
Cholera is a highly contagious disease transmitted through contaminated food and water. It spreads directly by consuming contaminated food or water and indirectly through poor sanitation and inadequate handwashing.
Symptoms of cholera include sudden onset of acute, painless watery diarrhea, which may be accompanied by vomiting, nausea, and fever.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), said severe cases of cholera can result in death within hours due to dehydration.
However, about 80 per cent of infected individuals may exhibit mild symptoms or remain asymptomatic.
The NCDC emphasizes that cholera is easily treatable if detected early, with most patients recovering through prompt administration of oral rehydration solutions (ORS) to replace lost fluids and electrolytes, along with appropriate antibiotics.
To prevent cholera, the NCDC advises adequate access to safe, potable drinking water; proper sanitation and waste disposal; and appropriate hygiene including handwashing.
It advised avoiding raw fruits and vegetables, street vendor food, and raw or undercooked seafood.
To reduce the risk of cholera, the NCDC recommended boiling water and storing it in a clean, covered container before drinking.
Additionally, they emphasized practicing good personal hygiene by frequently washing hands with soap under clean running water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable.
“Ensure that food is well cooked before consumption and only consume raw fruits and vegetables after thoroughly washing them with safe water,” it said.
They also cautioned against open defecation and indiscriminate refuse dumping, urging residents to ensure proper waste disposal and regular sewage clearing.