The Lagos State government has confirmed 17 cases of cholera from a total of 350 suspected cases across 29 wards in the state.
As stated on Saturday, the government also reported 15 deaths linked to the cholera outbreak. Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, Director of Public Affairs at the state Ministry of Health, signed the statement, which highlighted the activation of the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre at Mainland Hospital, Yaba, Lagos.
This centre was established in response to the rising number of severe gastroenteritis cases observed in several local government areas (LGAs) across the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, discussed these developments while outlining measures being implemented to manage the outbreak in Lagos State.
“He revealed that 350 suspected cases of cholera were reported in 29 wards across multiple LGAs in Lagos State with 17 confirmed cases and 15 fatalities so far,” the statement partly read.
The commissioner was quoted as saying, “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.
“Although this is an increase from the numbers published 3 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 added, “The Directorate of Environmental Health of the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency of the Ministry of Environment, have collected samples of water sources, food and beverage samples in all the affected LGAs, while 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, and public health education campaigns.”
Abayomi highlighted that a senior team from the Lagos State Ministry of Health recently met with Dr. Jide Idris, Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, along with his team and partners from the World Health Organization. The aim was to enhance the effectiveness of all interventions.
He called on residents to actively support the state government’s initiatives by strictly following precautionary measures, collaborating with health officials, and engaging in community sanitation efforts to curb the spread of cholera, especially with the upcoming Sallah celebration.
“During this Ileya festive season, residents are advised to drink safe water, cook food thoroughly, maintain personal hygiene, wash hands regularly, use sanitiser, and avoid overcrowded places.
“Reporting symptoms like watery diarrhoea or vomiting immediately is also crucial, to save lives and prevent transmission to other members of the community.
“Treatment for suspected cholera is provided free of charge at all government facilities as part of government standard public health response,” he said.
The commissioner added, “We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide regular updates. Residents are advised to stay informed and adhere to public health advisories to ensure their safety and well-being during this period.”
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