The cholera outbreak in Lagos has intensified, with the death toll rising to 21 and 401 suspected cases recorded across the state as of Thursday. Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, provided this grim update, revealing that Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti Osa have been the hardest-hit areas.
Dr. Ogunyemi noted that the increase in cases was expected following the Ileya festivities, which saw large gatherings. However, she highlighted that the number of suspected cases is beginning to decline in several local government areas (LGAs), thanks to the state’s interventions and enhanced surveillance efforts.
The Lagos State Government, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has been actively responding to the crisis through the Ministry of Health and allied agencies. These efforts include rigorous surveillance, monitoring, and the implementation of comprehensive programs aimed at curbing the spread of cholera. Collaboration with the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has been crucial in identifying sources of contamination by collecting samples of water, food, and beverages.
Moreover, the government is working closely with educational institutions to ensure the safety of students as they return to schools. Dr. Ogunyemi emphasized the importance of maintaining good hand hygiene and participating in community sanitation activities to halt the spread of the disease.
In light of the ongoing outbreak, residents are urged to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as watery diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, general malaise, and fever. The state provides free cholera treatment at all public health facilities to ensure accessible care for all affected individuals.
Governor Sanwo-Olu has expressed his commitment to delivering quality and affordable healthcare to Lagos residents. The state government also extended its gratitude to local, national, and international partners—including UNICEF, WHO, NCDC, NIMR, Red Cross, and others—for their support in tackling the outbreak.
Dr. Ogunyemi acknowledged the dedicated efforts of the medical and public health professionals, environmental health officers, Water Corporation officers, and volunteers working tirelessly to manage the outbreak and safeguard the health of Lagosians. Their relentless work underscores the collaborative spirit essential in managing public health emergencies.
Just five days ago, the Lagos government reported 15 deaths and 350 suspected cases of cholera, indicating the rapid progression of the outbreak. At that time, Lagos Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, highlighted severe gastroenteritis cases in communities such as Eti Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, and Kosofe. The state’s public health emergency operations centre (PHEOC) at Mainland Hospital, Yaba, has since been activated to coordinate the response.
The swift escalation in cases and fatalities calls for continued vigilance and cooperation from all residents and stakeholders to mitigate the impact of the cholera outbreak in Lagos.
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