An outbreak of severe gastroenteritis in communities around Eti Osa, Lagos Island, and Kosofe and Ikorodu local government areas of Lagos State has resulted in five casualties with 60 others hospitalised.
According to the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, the state government has called for heightened vigilance and the adoption of precautionary measures to avert the spread of a potential cholera outbreak in the state.
Abayomi confirmed the death of five persons mainly from patients presenting late with extreme dehydration.
“We have activated a state-wide heightened surveillance and response. The Ministry of Health Directorate of Environmental Health and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) have been alerted to investigate a possible water contamination source in the Lekki Victoria Island axis. We suspect a possible cholera outbreak; however, samples have been taken for confirmation. As of April 28, 2024, Nigeria reported 815 suspected cholera cases and 14 deaths across 25 states,” he said.
The Commissioner added that the state has seen a notable increase in cases of severe vomiting and watery stools due to the recent rains. He added that urban slums and crowded communities with poor ventilation, and sanitation are particularly at risk.
Abayomi explained that cholera is a highly transmissible disease that causes severe diarrhoea and can be lethal, adding that it poses a significant health burden in areas with poor water treatment and sanitation, and could impact Lagos State.
“Cholera spreads through direct transmission by eating or drinking contaminated food or water, and indirect transmission due to poor sanitation and lack of hand washing. Symptoms of cholera include severe watery diarrhoea, vomiting, rapid dehydration, muscle cramps, fever and sometimes collapse,” he said.
Treatment options for cholera include rehydration using Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) for mild to moderate dehydration.
The commissioner added that suspected cases can be reported through the following emergency hotlines: 08023169485, 08137412348, or by using helplines 767 or 112.