Lagos State government has confirmed 17 cases of cholera out of 350 suspected cases across 29 wards in the state, resulting in 15 fatalities.
Gatekeepers News reports that the government has activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre at Mainland Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, to address the increasing number of severe gastroenteritis cases across multiple local government areas (LGAs) in the state, according to a statement released on Saturday.
Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, revealed that laboratory investigations have confirmed the presence of Cholera sub-type O-1, which is associated with more severe disease. While cases are subsiding in previously affected LGAs due to interventions and surveillance efforts, new cases are being recorded in previously unaffected areas.
To control the outbreak, the government has collected water, food, and beverage samples from affected LGAs and is conducting inspections of facilities. Cholera kits are being prepositioned in health facilities across the state, and public health education campaigns are underway.
Residents are urged to take precautionary measures, including drinking safe water, cooking food thoroughly, maintaining personal hygiene, and reporting symptoms like watery diarrhea or vomiting immediately.
The Commissioner for ealth noted that the treatment for suspected cholera is provided free of charge at all government facilities, and the government will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide regular updates.
“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.
“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.”
