The Lagos State government has officially reported 17 cases of cholera and 15 fatalities within the state. Previously, authorities had identified 350 suspected cases spread across 29 wards.
In a statement released by Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, the Director of Public Affairs at the ministry, Prof. Akin Abayomi, the Commissioner for Health, confirmed the cholera outbreak’s death toll of 15. Abayomi added that the Lagos State government has initiated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre at Mainland Hospital in Yaba.
“The laboratory investigation and test results have so far confirmed Cholera sub-type O-1. This subtype is associated with more severe disease. The pattern of new cases per day varies across LGAs, according to our ongoing surveillance and monitoring updates.
“Although this is an increase from the numbers published 3 days ago, cases are now dramatically subsiding in previously affected LGAs due to our interventions and surveillance efforts, however, we are recording some new cases in previously unaffected LGAs, signalling the need for residents to adhere strictly to precautionary, personal, and environmental hygiene measures.
“The Directorate of Environmental Health of the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency of the Ministry of Environment has collected samples of water sources, food, and beverage samples in all the affected LGAs, while inspections of facilities are ongoing.
“We are prepositioning cholera kits in health facilities across the State. Our efforts to control the outbreak also include the distribution of Oral Rehydration Solutions and public health education campaigns,” the commissioner stated.