The cholera outbreak in Lagos State has claimed the lives of 21 individuals, with the number of suspected cases rising to 401, according to the latest update from the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Kemi Ogunyemi.
Ogunyemi disclosed the alarming statistics during a briefing on Thursday, highlighting the significant increase from the previously reported 15 fatalities and 350 suspected cases.
She identified Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti Osa as the areas with the highest number of reported cases.
“The number of recorded fatalities as a result of the Cholera outbreak in the state has risen to 21,” Ogunyemi stated, underscoring the severity of the situation following the recent festive gatherings during Ileya celebrations.
Despite the rise in cases, Ogunyemi noted a gradual decline in suspected cases in previously affected local government areas (LGAs), attributing this trend to proactive interventions by the state government and enhanced surveillance efforts.
“The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Health and other sister agencies, continues to maintain rigorous surveillance and monitoring,” Ogunyemi affirmed.
She highlighted ongoing efforts to identify the source of contamination through water, food, and beverage sampling, alongside intensified community surveillance.
Emphasizing preventive measures, Ogunyemi urged residents to practice good hand hygiene, participate in community sanitation activities, and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as watery diarrhea, vomiting, and fever.
She reassured the public that cholera treatment is available free of charge at all public health facilities in the state.
Acknowledging the collaborative efforts, Ogunyemi expressed gratitude to local, national, and international partners, including UNICEF, WHO, NCDC, NIMR, Red Cross, and others, for their support in combating the outbreak.
She also commended the dedicated healthcare professionals and volunteers for their tireless efforts in ensuring public health safety.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration reaffirmed its commitment to providing quality and affordable healthcare to all Lagos residents amid the ongoing health crisis.
As the state continues to address the cholera outbreak, residents are urged to remain vigilant and proactive in preventing further spread of the disease.