The Lagos state government has confirmed at least 17 cases of cholera in the state with, at least, 15 of them fatal. The state also disclosed they are monitoring 350 other suspected cases.
This announcement was made by the State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, while speaking on steps taken to control the outbreak in Lagos State. He revealed that the 350 suspected cases of cholera were reported in 29 wards across multiple LGAs in the State.
“The laboratory investigation and test results have so far confirmed Cholera sub-type O-1. This subtype is associated with more severe disease. The pattern of new cases per day varies across LGAS, according to our ongoing surveillance and monitoring updates,” the health commissioner said in the statement signed by the ministry’s Director of Public Affairs Tunbosun Ogunbanwo.
“Although this is an increase from the numbers published three days ago, cases are now dramatically subsiding in previously affected LGAs due to our interventions and surveillance efforts, however, we are recording some new cases in previously unaffected LGAs, signalling the need for residents to adhere strictly to precautionary, personal, and environmental hygiene measures.”
He said, “inspections of facilities are ongoing. We are prepositioning cholera kits in health facilities across the State. Our efforts to control the outbreak also include the distribution of Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS), and public health education campaigns”.
The commissioner called on residents of Lagos State to adhere strictly to precautionary measures, cooperate with health authorities, and participate in community-wide sanitation activities to mitigate the spread of cholera, particularly as the Eid-al-Adha celebration approaches.
“Reporting symptoms like watery diarrhea or vomiting immediately is also crucial, to save lives and prevent transmission to other members of the community,” he said. “Treatment for suspected cholera is provided free of charge at all government facilities as part of government’s standard public health response.”
