The Lagos state government says the death toll from the cholera outbreak in the state has risen to 21.
On June 11, Akin Abayomi, the commissioner of health for Lagos, announced that a probable cholera epidemic in several areas of the city had resulted in five deaths and approximately sixty hospital admissions. The cholera outbreak was declared by the commissioner on Saturday.
Of the 350 suspected cases, 17 have been confirmed, resulting in 15 fatalities.
Kemi Ogunyemi, special adviser to the Lagos governor on health, gave an update on Thursday following a meeting with members of the Lagos State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC).
She stated that the increase in cases was expected after the Eid-el Kabir celebration.
According to NAN, she said the total number of suspected infections increased to 401, with Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti Osa recording the highest numbers of infections.
Ogunyemi said suspected cases are subsiding across LGAs due to the state government’s intervention and surveillance efforts.
“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,” Ogunyemi said.
“We have also intensified our surveillance activities in communities, particularly in affected local government areas, to address the situation head-on.
“We are also working with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, as well as 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.”
Ogunyemi advised Nigerians to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, general malaise and fever.
She added that treatment for cholera has been provided free of charge at all public health facilities.
