Cholera Outbreak: Lagos Reports 401 Cases, Death Toll Rises To 21

Joy ChukwuJune 20, 20241 Mins read83

Lagos State is grappling with a significant cholera outbreak as the number of suspected cases has surged to 401, resulting in 21 fatalities

The Lagos State Government has announced that the total number of cholera cases in the state has risen to 401, with Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti Osa Local Government Areas (LGAs) being the most affected.

The death toll has increased to 21, up from the previously reported 15 fatalities.

Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, disclosed this on Thursday during an update on the outbreak following a meeting with the Lagos State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC).

Ogunyemi explained that the rise in cases was expected after the Ileya festivities, which involved large gatherings. She noted that suspected cases were decreasing across the LGAs, especially those previously affected, due to the state government’s interventions and surveillance efforts.

She also stated that the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Environment and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), continues to collect samples from water sources, food, and beverages to identify the source of contamination.

“We have also intensified surveillance activities in communities, particularly in affected LGAs, to address the situation head-on,” she said.

“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,” Ogunyemi added.

She urged residents to remain vigilant, practice good hand hygiene, and participate in community sanitation activities to stop the spread of cholera.

Ogunyemi also advised citizens to seek medical attention immediately if they experience watery diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, general malaise, and fever, stating that cholera treatment is free at all public health facilities.