The Lagos State Government has raised concerns over a particularly aggressive and contagious strain of Cholera that has been identified in the state, posing a significant risk of widespread transmission.
Prof. Akin Abayomi, the State Commissioner for Health, disclosed this in a recent post on his Instagram page @profakinabayomi. He confirmed through laboratory tests that the recent outbreak in Lagos is indeed Cholera, with 17 cases confirmed out of 350 suspected cases resulting in 15 deaths so far.
In response, the commissioner highlighted that suspected cases are receiving free treatment at public health facilities across the state as part of the established public health response protocols. He noted that community-based case finding and contact tracing efforts have contributed to a peak in case numbers, which are now showing signs of decline.
Abayomi mentioned the state’s collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), as well as international partners like the World Health Organisation (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Local Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) are actively engaged in awareness campaigns and community-based surveillance activities.
Meanwhile, in Ondo State, the government has taken proactive measures to prevent the potential spread of Cholera. Dr Banji Ajaka, the Commissioner for Health, assured the public that structures are in place and an immediate response plan has been activated.
Ajaka confirmed that there have been no active cases reported yet in Ondo State. The government has bolstered the Rapid Response Team across the state’s senatorial districts through the COPREP programme, which includes PHC coordinators, lab focal persons, and disease surveillance officers.
Additionally, an emergency preparedness committee will focus on ensuring access to clean water, improving sanitation, strengthening healthcare facilities, and coordinating efforts across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The commissioner urged citizens to maintain high standards of personal and food hygiene and promptly seek medical attention for symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting.