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HomeHealth & FitnessCholera Outbreak in Lagos: Death Toll Reaches 21, 401 Cases Reported

Cholera Outbreak in Lagos: Death Toll Reaches 21, 401 Cases Reported

Lagos State is grappling with a severe cholera outbreak, resulting in 21 confirmed deaths and 401 suspected cases, according to the Lagos State Ministry of Health. The rise in cases comes amid increasing instances of severe gastroenteritis across several local government areas (LGAs), notably Lagos Island, Kosofe, Ikorodu, and Eti Osa.

 

Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, the Special Adviser on Health to the Lagos State Governor, confirmed the escalation from 15 to 21 fatalities. She attributed the spike to the recent Ileya festivities, which saw large public gatherings. Despite the surge, Ogunyemi noted a decline in new cases in previously affected LGAs, crediting government interventions and enhanced surveillance.

 

The Lagos State government, alongside the Ministry of Health and environmental agencies like the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), is actively collecting water and food samples to pinpoint contamination sources. Rigorous community surveillance and public health education campaigns are underway to mitigate the outbreak.

 

The Ministry of Health is collaborating with educational institutions to ensure schools take necessary precautions. Residents are urged to practice good hygiene and participate in sanitation activities. Dr. Ogunyemi emphasized the importance of seeking medical attention for symptoms such as watery diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, general malaise, and fever, noting that cholera treatment is free at public health facilities.

 

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to providing quality healthcare, and the state government has expressed gratitude to local and international partners, including UNICEF, WHO, NCDC, NIMR, and Red Cross, for their support. The dedication of healthcare professionals and volunteers in combating the outbreak has also been acknowledged.

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Cholera, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, spreads through contaminated water and food. The Lagos State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) was activated at Mainland Hospital, Yaba, following the initial outbreak alert. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of Cholera subtype O-1, known for its severity.

 

The Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) has issued warnings against consuming untreated water and has begun extensive water quality monitoring. The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has directed Private Sector Participant (PSP) operators to ensure continuous waste evacuation to prevent further spread.

 

LAWMA Managing Director, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, emphasized the need for proper waste management and personal hygiene to combat the outbreak. Residents are encouraged to dispose of waste correctly and use covered bins to prevent contamination.

 

Lagos, with its mix of modern and impoverished areas, faces recurring cholera outbreaks due to factors like high migration, poor living conditions, overcrowding, and inadequate sanitation. The city’s slums, where many lack access to clean water and proper toilets, are particularly vulnerable.

 

Efforts to control cholera require comprehensive community education on hygiene practices and early symptom recognition. The wet season exacerbates the situation by flooding areas and contaminating water sources.

 

Addressing these challenges necessitates coordinated efforts from public health authorities, healthcare professionals, and the community. Prioritizing interventions in water, sanitation, and hygiene is crucial for effective cholera control in Lagos.

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