The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, says Lagos Island has the highest number of suspected cholera cases with 106 cases out of the 350 suspected cases in the state.

Abayomi made the disclosure on Monday through his official X account @profakinabayomi while giving an update of the state’s cholera outbreak.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.

Cholera can cause severe acute watery diarrhea and the severe forms of the disease can kill within hours if left untreated.

Abayomi disclosed that laboratory tests have confirmed that the outbreak was due to cholera with the identified strain being highly aggressive and contagious, with potential for widespread dissemination.

Speaking on the morbidity and mortality, Abayomi disclosed that 350 suspected cases of cholera were reported in 29 wards across multiple local government areas (LGAs) in the state.

According to him, there are 17 confirmed cases and 15 fatalities attributed to severe dehydration caused by delayed presentation at health facilities.

The commissioner further said that geographical distribution of suspected cases by LGAs revealed that Lagos Island was the epicentre of the outbreak with 106 cases; followed by Kosofe 49; Eti-Osa 38; Lagos mainland 30 and Ojo 17.

Other LGAs affected are Ikorodu 16; Kosofe 16; Shomolu 11, Surulere has nine; Apapa -eight; Mushin-eight; Ifako Ijaiye -eight; Mushin -five; Alimosho -four; Ajeromi Ifelodun -four; Oshodi-Isolo -three; Ikeja three; Ibeju Lekki -two; Badagry -two; and Amuwo-Odofin -one.

“Through community-based case finding and contact tracing, we have observed that the number of cases has peaked and is now significantly declining,” he said.

He stressed that the state was intensifying its public health prevention campaigns to prevent a resurgence.

According to him, suspected cases are receiving free treatment at the state’s public health facilities, in line with public health response protocols.

Abayomi said that the state was receiving support from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and International partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF.

He added that local non-governmental organisations are actively involved in raising awareness and conducting community-based surveillance efforts.

On cholera causes and transmission, Abayomi disclosed that cholera is caused by contaminated water and food and transmission common in areas with inadequate water treatment, poor sanitation, and insufficient hygiene.

He said that common symptoms include severe diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, thirst and muscle cramps.

“Symptoms can appear within a few hours to five days after infection,” he warned.

On prevention measures, Abayomi advised citizens to drink safe water that’s boiled, treated, or bottled and  eat food that’s thoroughly cooked and hot, and avoid raw foods.

He advised citizens to maintain high hygiene by washing hands with soap and clean water regularly and using proper sanitation facilities and disposing of waste properly.

Speaking on treatment, Abayomi stressed that immediate action on rehydration was key, adding that oral rehydration salts (ORS) are crucial.

He added that medical treatment would be required for severe cases that may require intravenous fluids and antibiotics.

Abayomi advised the public to seek prompt medical help if symptoms occur and report any suspected cases to health hotlines: 08023169485 08137412348, or call 767 or 112.

As the Muslim faithful celebrated the Eid-el Kabir on Sunday, the Chief of Amry Staff, ;t.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, feasted with wounded-in -action soldiers at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna.

That assorted delicacies and drinks were doled out to the soldiers as part of the Sallah merriments.

Speaking at the event, Lagbaja said Eid-el Kabir was  a day to celebrate and share with the needy.

Lagbaja was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, who was also represented by the Division’s Chief of Staff, Brig.-Gen. David Nwakonobi.

The COAS said the Eid-el Kabir gesture was to celebrate with the soldiers especially at a time when they can’t be with their families.

He said the Nigerian Army, the Minister of Defence and Chief of Defence Staff have them at heart and would do anything humanly possible to get them out of their present predicaments.

Lagbaja wished the soldiers quick recovery and reassured them of his resolve for their welfare.

One of the wounded- in-action soldiers, Staff Sgt. Garba Bono, thanked the COAS for the gesture.

“The COAS has been there for us and still with us, this alone is a cause to be happy.

”The hospital also is doing its best for us, I never thought I could walk again in my life when I was brought to the hospital, now I can walk. I thank God and the hospital for caring for us,”he said.

Equally, Sgt. Solomon Olaniyi, thanked the COAS for being conscious of the wounded- in-action soldiers’ existence.

“We are happy and still have the assurance that the Army will never neglect us. We are grateful for COAS remembering us, this gives us joy that the Army is with us and we still belong to the society,”he said.

Earlier, the acting Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital, Col. Stephen Onuchukwu, said the soldiers were faring very well.

He said it was fortunate for them to have such a COAS, adding that apart from winning the battle at the front-line, among his pillars of philosophy was sound administration of personnel.

Onuchukwu explained that the necessary leadership and resources to enable wounded- in- action soldiers got the best care was in place.

The CMD equally said apart from the soldiers receiving treatment at the hospital, those with critical conditions were flown abroad to have the best of care.

He thanked the COAS for his continuous support.

By Aminu Garko, Kano

The Police command in Kano state says it is disappointed with some miscreants that allowed themselves used in the booeing of Emir Muhammadu Sunusi II at the city while he was returning to his palace after attending the Eid prayer.

This was contained in a statement issued in a statement issued by the command Public Relations officer SP Abdullahi Kiyawa in Kano on Monday.

He said that the incident occurred while Emir Sunusi and his followers left the Eid ground after the prayers were conducted peacefully.

He explained that the Emir while returning took a different route as is the part of the religious obligation but with only him riding one horse.

“Emir Sanusi passed through Shahuci, Kofar Wambai and Zage where some miscreants out of the large crowd booed him, but that the local hunters who were part of those escorting the Emir dispersed them.”

He said that the command is currently monitoring the ongoing celebration in the state to ensure law and order are maintained in all parts of the state.

He explained that the command have make adequate security for tackling any form of security threats during and after the celebration.