Cholera death toll in Lagos rises to 24

The Lagos State Government has announced an increase in the number of deaths recorded due to the cholera disease ravaging the state.

According to the state health commissioner, Akin Abayomi, as of Friday, deaths had increased from 21 to 24.

Abayomi revealed this on Friday in a post on her Instagram account.

He noted that the situation report, as on June 19, shows 35 confirmed infections out of 417 suspected cases recorded in 20 local government areas (LGAs) of the state.

He advised residents to ensure personal and environmental hygiene.

“Let us strictly respect personal and environmental hygiene. Let’s stay safe #ForUnGreatLagos,” she noted.

This follows the announcement by the World Health Organization (WHO) of an increase in cholera in several regions of the world, with around 195,000 cases and more than 1,900 deaths reported in 24 countries since the beginning of 2024.

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Lagos outbreak

The increase in cholera cases in Lagos was anticipated following the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir, during which large gatherings occurred.

Infographics released by the Lagos Commissioner for Health show that cases were reported in Agege, Badagry, Ikeja, Mushin, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Epe, Ikorodu, Ojo, Alimosho and Eti-Osa.

Others are Kosofe, Oshodi-Isolo, Amuwo-Odofin, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos Island, Shomolu, Apapa, Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos mainland and Surulere.

Abayomi recently revealed that the identified strain of cholera is very aggressive and contagious, with significant potential for spread that intensifies with the rainy season.

Cholera is a highly contagious disease transmitted by food and water. It spreads by direct transmission through eating or drinking contaminated food or water and by indirect transmission due to poor sanitary conditions and lack of handwashing.

Symptoms of cholera include sudden onset of acute, painless, watery diarrhea, with or without vomiting. It may be associated with nausea, profuse vomiting, and fever.

Cholera prevention

The NCDC noted in its latest advisory that cholera can be prevented by ensuring access to safe drinking water, adequate sanitation and waste disposal, as well as proper hygiene, including handwashing.

He noted that raw fruits and vegetables, street vendor foods, and raw or undercooked seafood should be avoided.

To reduce the risk of cholera, the NCDC advised the public to “ensure that water is boiled and stored in a clean, covered container before drinking it, and practice good personal hand hygiene by washing your hands frequently with soap and water.” clean current.

“Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and clean water are not available. Make sure food is thoroughly cooked before eating. “Only eat raw foods, such as fruits and vegetables, after washing them thoroughly with drinking water.”

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He also discouraged open defecation and indiscriminate dumping of garbage. He urged residents to ensure proper disposal of waste and frequent cleaning of sewage.

“If you or someone you know experiences sudden watery diarrhea, do not self-medicate; Visit a healthcare facility immediately,” he noted.