Cholera Outbreak In Lagos: 5 Dead, 60 Hospitalised – Health Commissioner 

Five people have died, and 60 others have been hospitalised due to severe gastroenteritis caused by cholera in the Eti Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, and Kosofe areas of Lagos State.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, announced this, urging increased vigilance and precautionary measures to prevent a potential cholera outbreak.

Abayomi reported that the deaths were primarily due to late presentation with severe dehydration.

He said that the state has increased surveillance and response efforts, adding that the Ministry of Health and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency are investigating possible water contamination in the Lekki Victoria Island area. At the same time, suspected cholera cases are being tested for confirmation.

“As of April 28, 2024, Nigeria reported 815 suspected cholera cases and 14 deaths across 25 states,” he said.

Abayomi noted that following recent rains, Lagos State has seen an increase in severe vomiting and watery stool cases, particularly in urban slums and crowded areas with poor sanitation.

He explained that cholera is a highly contagious disease that causes severe diarrhoea and can be life-threatening in areas with poor water treatment and sanitation.

He added that the disease spreads through contaminated food and water and poor sanitation, with symptoms that include severe watery diarrhoea, vomiting, rapid dehydration, muscle cramps, fever, and sometimes collapse.

He said treatment includes rehydration with Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) for mild cases and intravenous fluids for severe dehydration, administered by medical professionals.

Preventive measures include ensuring safe drinking water by boiling, chlorinating, or using bottled water, maintaining proper sanitation, and practising good hygiene, such as regular hand washing with soap and clean water.

He advised the public to rely on the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and local health facilities for guidance and updates. Suspected cases can be reported via emergency hotlines: 08023169485, 08137412348, or 767 or 112.

Abayomi emphasised the importance of high hygiene standards and proactive measures to prevent cholera outbreaks, promising to keep the public informed and committed to ensuring citizens’ health and well-being.

He urged everyone to adopt preventive measures and report any suspected cases promptly.

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