Lagos State has sadly seen an increase in deaths from the ongoing cholera outbreak, with three additional fatalities reported recently, bringing the total number of lives lost to 24.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, shared this update via his official communication channel on Friday. He also highlighted that the number of suspected cases has risen to 417, alongside 35 confirmed cases.
In response to the escalating situation, Abayomi emphasized the critical importance of maintaining personal and environmental hygiene among residents. This caution comes amidst concerns raised by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, who noted that areas like Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti Osa have reported the highest incidences of the disease.
Dr. Ogunyemi, after a briefing with the Lagos State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, pointed out that the recent spike in cases was expected, especially in the aftermath of the Ileya festivities where large gatherings took place. She indicated that the current tally now stands at 401 suspected cases and 21 fatalities, a stark increase from the previously reported figures.
In response to the crisis, the state government has intensified its surveillance efforts and is actively monitoring the situation. Measures include ongoing sampling of water sources, food, and beverages to pinpoint the origin of the contamination. Vigilant community surveillance has been bolstered, particularly in affected local government areas.
Dr. Ogunyemi underscored the collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Environment and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency in executing these initiatives. Furthermore, partnerships with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the Ministry of Tertiary Education aim to ensure that schools enforce necessary precautions to safeguard students.
As part of their preventive strategy, residents are urged to maintain high standards of hand hygiene, actively participate in community sanitation drives, and promptly seek medical assistance if they experience symptoms such as watery diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, malaise, or fever. Treatment for cholera is available free of charge at all public health facilities across Lagos State.
The statement from the Governor’s aide concluded with a call for continued vigilance and cooperation from the public to curb the spread of cholera effectively.
Victoria Ibiama
