The Lagos state administration has reported that the death toll from the cholera outbreak death toll in the state has grown to 21.
On June 11, Akin Abayomi, Lagos Commissioner for Health, stated that five people died, and another 60 were hospitalised as a result of a probable cholera outbreak in several parts of the city.
On Saturday, the commissioner acknowledged the cholera outbreak, stating that there are 350 suspected cases, 17 of which have been confirmed, and 15 have died.
Kemi Ogunyemi, special assistant to the Lagos governor on health, gave an update on Thursday after meeting with members of the Lagos State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC), saying the increase in cases was expected following the Eid-el Kabir celebration.
According to NAN, the overall number of suspected infections has climbed to 401, with Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti Osa having the largest number of infections.
Ogunyemi stated that the state government’s involvement and surveillance measures have reduced suspected instances across LGAs.
Ogunyemi said:
“The Ministry of health, in collaboration with the state Ministry of environment and its agency, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), continues to collect samples of water sources, food, and beverages to identify the source of contamination.”
“We have also intensified our surveillance activities in communities, particularly affected local government areas, to address the situation head-on.
“We are also working with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the Ministry of Tertiary Education to ensure all precautions are taken in our schools to protect children and scholars as they return.
“Residents must, however, remain vigilant, practice good hand hygiene, and participate in community sanitation activities to stop the spread of cholera.”
She urged Nigerians to seek medical assistance if they develop diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, general malaise, or fever.
She went on to say that all public health facilities now offer free cholera treatment.