Tragedy struck in communities around Eti Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, and Kosofe local government areas of Lagos State as five persons have reportedly died and 60 others hospitalized from a severe gastroenteritis outbreak.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, confirmed this alarming development while responding to the state surveillance reports.
He emphasized the urgent need for heightened vigilance and the adoption of precautionary measures to contain the potential spread of a cholera outbreak in the state.
Prof. Abayomi lamented the unfortunate loss of lives, stating, “Sadly, five deaths have been recorded mainly from patients presenting late with extreme dehydration.”
The commissioner further elaborated on the state’s response, stating, “We have activated a statewide heightened surveillance and response.”
He mentioned that the Ministry of Health Directorate of Environmental Health and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) have been tasked with investigating a possible water contamination source in the Lekki Victoria Island axis. While suspicions of a cholera outbreak loom, samples have been taken for confirmation.
Citing national data, Prof. Abayomi highlighted the severity of the situation, stating, “As of April 28, 2024, Nigeria reported 815 suspected cholera cases and 14 deaths across 25 states.”
The recent surge in cases of severe vomiting and watery stools, according to the Commissioner, is attributed to the onset of the rainy season.
He emphasized that urban slums and crowded areas with poor sanitation are particularly vulnerable to such outbreaks.
As the state grapples with this health crisis, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and adhere to hygiene protocols to curb the spread of the disease.