The death toll from suspected cholera outbreak in Lagos has hit 21, this, according to the special adviser to the state governor on health, Kemi Ogunyemi. The aide to the governor also said the number of suspected cases has increased to 401 across the state with Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti-Osa recording the highest numbers.
Ogunyemi revealed this on Thursday while providing an update on the outbreak after meeting with members of the Lagos state Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC).
She added that the death toll has also risen to 21, an increase of six from the previously reported 15 fatalities.
“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,” the Special Adviser stated.
According to her, the rise in cases was anticipated following the Sallah festivities during which large gatherings occurred.
She, however, noted that suspected cases are subsiding across various local government areas particularly in previously densely hit areas due to state government interventions and surveillance efforts.
She noted that the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, remains committed to ensuring that residents of Lagos receive quality and affordable health care, the special adviser 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 PHEOC, and volunteers who are working around the clock to combat the disease and keep Lagos safe,” Ogunyemi said.
She advised that citizens seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms such as watery diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, general malaise, and fever, stressing that cholera treatment is provided free of charge at all public health facilities.
