Cholera: Lagos confirms 21 deaths, 401 suspected cases

The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, has disclosed that the total number of cholera cases has increased to 401 across Lagos, with death toll risen to 21, an increase of six from the previously reported 15 fatalities.

Ogunyemi said following the last update on the cholera outbreak in Lagos, which reported 350 suspected cases and 15 fatalities, the total number of cholera cases has increased to 401 across Lagos, with Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti Osa recording the highest numbers.

According to her, the rise in cases was anticipated following the Eld-el-Kabir celebration during which large gatherings occurred.

She however noted that suspected cases are subsiding across LGAs particularly in previously affected LGAs due to state government interventions and surveillance efforts.

“The Lagos State government, through the Ministry of Health and other sister agencies, is maintaining rigorous surveillance and monitoring of the situation and implementing planned programs and activities to curb the spread.

“The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Environment and its agency, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), 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 advised that citizens seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms such as watery diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, general malaise, and fever, stressing that treatment for cholera is provided free of charge at all public health facilities.

While noting that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to ensuring that residents of Lagos receive quality and affordable health care, Ogunyemi extended the gratitude of the state government to local, national, and international partners including: UNICEF, WHO, NCDC, NIMR, Red Cross, and others for their support in combating the outbreak.

“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 Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC), and volunteers who are working around the clock to combat the disease and keep Lagos safe,” Ogunyemi said.