Death toll from cholera outbreak in Lagos State has risen to twenty-nine (29), with five hundred and seventy-nine (579) suspected cases.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi revealed this during a press briefing held in Alausa, Ikeja on Monday.
Abayomi noted that the increase in death rate was because patients showed up late at the hospital or were brought in dead.
He further noted that government and its partners had started an active case search and contact trace to put an end to the cholera outbreak.
In a bid to reduce the spread, Abayomi urged residents of Lagos State with suspected cases to report to hospitals, adding that treatment is free.
He further said government officials had also deliberately gone out to search for those with suspected cases of the disease.
The commissioner listed the symptoms of cholera as profuse diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, fever, abdominal cramps, and shock.
Also, Abayomi said that those affected with cholera could be given Oral Rehydration therapy, ORT, to stop dehydration before they head to the hospital.
In addition, the commissioner noted that there have been rising cases since the outbreak on 5 June 2024, with the highest cases reported on 10 June.
He noted that areas like Lagos Island, Eti-Osa, and Kosofe Local Governments, have the highest cholera burdens, while there are cases in Ajeromi, and Ifako Ijaiye, among others.
According to the commissioner, many children were affected by the cholera outbreak along with traders and artisans.
He said reported cases had currently gotten worse, however no cases had been reported in any Lagos school.
Abayomi also noted that the government and its team had adopted one health approach in efforts to curb Caz the spread of the disease, while the directorate of environmental health and Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency had been diligently working to stop the spread.
He said, “We have continued inspection of cases in mostly affected places, intensify sensitisation to ensure lagosians are aware.”
The commissioner also urged residents to support the government by maintaining personal hygiene, washing of hands frequently, and reporting suspected cases, among others.
Speaking on measures in schools, Abayomi noted that school authorities were being sensitised on the reporting techniques, monitoring of students’ health daily, promoting healthy diets, and ensuring oral rehydration in schools.
