Lagos Cholera outbreak: Death toll rises to 29, suspected cases hit 579 — Commissioner
By Sodiq Adelakun
The Cholera outbreak in Lagos has claimed 29 lives, with 579 suspected cases and 43 confirmed cases, according to the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi.
Despite the rising toll, the source of the outbreak remains unknown, Abayomi revealed at a press briefing on Monday in Ikeja, Lagos.
He said most of the fatalities were due to late presentation, with patients arriving at hospitals in severe dehydration, and some being brought in dead.
The commissioner assured that investigations are ongoing to identify potential sources, including water sources and beverage distribution channels.
“Moving forward, we are going to keep active surveillance around our water sources and the distribution of beverages in Lagos State,” He reiterated.
Abayomi listed symptoms of cholera, including profuse diarrhoea, vomiting, fatigue, fever, abdominal cramps, and shock. He emphasised that Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) can halt dehydration, and patients should seek hospital care immediately.
The Commissioner identified Lagos Island, Eti-Osa, and Kosofe Local Governments as areas with the highest cholera burden, with cases also reported in Ajeromi, Ifako Ijaiye, and others. Children, traders, and artisans are among those affected. While reported cases have declined, the government remains vigilant, with the directorate of environmental health and Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency working to halt the spread of the disease.
“We have continued inspection of cases in mostly affected places, intensifying sensitisation to ensure lagosians are aware,” he said, urging residents to support the government by maintaining personal hygiene, washing of hands frequently, reporting suspected cases, among others.
On measures in schools, Abayomi said school authorities were being sensitised on the reporting techniques, monitoring of students’ health daily, promoting healthy diets and ensuring oral rehydration in schools.
Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, assured that the state is doing everything possible to keep people safe.
