Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, disclosed on Thursday that the state is grappling with a surge in suspected cholera cases, which have climbed to 401, resulting in a total of 21 fatalities.
The affected areas, as outlined in a statement by the Director of Public Affairs at the state Ministry of Health, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, include Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti Osa, which have recorded the highest numbers of cases.
“Following the last update on the cholera outbreak in Lagos, which reported 350 suspected cases and 15 fatalities, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, disclosed that the total number of cholera cases has increased to 401 across Lagos, with Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti Osa recording the highest numbers.
“Dr. Ogunyemi revealed this today while providing an update on the outbreak after meeting with members of the Lagos State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre. She added that the death toll has also risen to 21, an increase of six from the previously reported 15 fatalities,” the statement partly read.
Cholera is a disease that spreads through contaminated water and food, caused by the bacteria Vibrio cholerae. It can lead to severe diarrhoea and can be fatal if not treated promptly.
In Nigeria, cholera is seasonal and common during the rainy season, especially in areas with poor sanitation.
After the Ileya festivities in Nigeria, there was a rise in cholera cases as large gatherings took place.
However, suspected cases are now decreasing in various Local Government Areas, particularly in those previously affected, due to the efforts of the state government.
The Special Adviser mentioned that the government, along with the Ministry of Health and other agencies, is closely monitoring the situation and implementing various programs to prevent further spread of the disease.
“The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Environment and its agency, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, continues to collect samples of water sources, food, and beverages to identify the source of contamination. We have also intensified our surveillance activities in communities, particularly in affected local government areas, to address the situation head-on.
“We are also working with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education as well as the Ministry of Tertiary Education to ensure all precautions are taken in our schools to protect children and scholars as they return. Residents must, however, remain vigilant, practice good hand hygiene, and participate in community sanitation activities to stop the spread of cholera,” she highlighted.
Dr. Ogunyemi urged citizens to seek immediate medical attention if they exhibit symptoms like watery diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, and general malaise, emphasizing that cholera treatment is readily available and free at all public health facilities.
She acknowledged Governor Sanwo-Olu’s dedication to providing quality and affordable healthcare to Lagos residents.
The Special Adviser also expressed the State Government’s appreciation to local, national, and international partners, including UNICEF, WHO, NCDC, NIMR, Red Cross, and others, for their invaluable support in combating the cholera outbreak.
Their collaboration has been instrumental in containing the spread of the disease.
“Appreciation is also extended to the dedicated team of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, lab scientists, environmental health officers, Water Corporation officers, surveillance officers, heads of agencies, members of PHEOC, and volunteers who are working around the clock to combat the disease and keep Lagos safe,” Ogunyemi pointed out.
