The Lagos State Government has revealed that the number of confirmed cholera cases in the state has surged to 401, with Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti Osa Local Government Areas (LGAs) reporting the highest incidence rates. The death toll has also climbed to 21, reflecting an increase from the previously reported 15 fatalities.
Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, shared this update on Thursday following a briefing with the Lagos State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC). Ogunyemi indicated that the rise in cholera cases was expected in the aftermath of the Ileya festivities, which saw large gatherings and potentially increased transmission of the disease. However, she noted that suspected cases are now declining across the state, especially in the LGAs most affected, thanks to the state’s robust interventions and surveillance efforts.
Ogunyemi emphasized that the Lagos State Government, in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and allied agencies, is maintaining stringent surveillance and monitoring measures while implementing comprehensive programs to curb the spread of cholera.
“The Ministry of Health, alongside the State Ministry of Environment and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), is actively collecting water, food, and beverage samples to identify contamination sources. Our surveillance efforts have been intensified in communities, particularly in the affected LGAs, to tackle the situation directly,” Ogunyemi stated.
She added that the state is collaborating with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the Ministry of Tertiary Education to ensure that schools are taking necessary precautions to safeguard students and staff as they return. Ogunyemi called on residents to remain alert, practice good hand hygiene, and engage in community sanitation activities to prevent further spread of cholera.
Residents were also encouraged to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as watery diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, general malaise, or fever. Ogunyemi highlighted that treatment for cholera is available free of charge at all public health facilities.
Dr. Ogunyemi noted Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s dedication to providing high-quality, affordable healthcare to all Lagos residents. She also extended the state government’s gratitude to various local, national, and international partners, including UNICEF, WHO, NCDC, NIMR, the 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
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