At least five persons have been confirmed dead and 60 others hospitalised due to a suspected cholera outbreak in Lagos state, according to the commissioner for health, Prof. Akin Abayomi.
The commissioner noted that communities in the state mostly affected by the outbreak are those around Eti Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu and Kosofe local government areas, according to a report published by Leadership newspaper.
Prof. Abayomi added that slums and crowded areas with poor sanitation are particularly at risk, especially due to the rainy season.
To address the situation and curb the spread of the disease, the commissioner said the state government has issued a call for vigilance and the adoption of precautionary measures.
He said: “We have activated a statewide 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.”
Speaking on the fact that cholera is very contagious, the commissioner pointed out that the disease “spreads through direct transmission by eating or drinking contaminated food or water,” noting that its symptoms “include severe watery diarrhoea, vomiting, rapid dehydration, muscle cramps, fever and sometimes collapse.”
He called on residents to report suspected cases to the following emergency hotlines: 08023169485, 08137412348, or by using helplines 767 or 112.