Lagos records new cases of cholera and the death toll in Nigeria reaches 40

Suspected cholera cases in Lagos have risen to 423 as the state recorded six additional new infections as of June 20.

The Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, revealed this on his Instagram on Saturday morning, 24 hours after announcing an increase in the number of deaths recorded from the disease ravaging the state.

Abayomi, as of Friday, noted that 24 deaths and 35 confirmed infections were recorded out of 417 suspected cases in 20 local government areas (LGAs) of the state.

Meanwhile, Punch newspaper reported that the Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) confirmed that the country has run out of cholera vaccines, as the death toll nationwide reaches 40.

The report, however, noted that the agency’s director-general, Jide Idris, said Nigeria had placed an order for more vaccines from donor agencies but could not determine a possible delivery date.

Cholera outbreak, response

Infographics released by the Lagos commissioner 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.

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In his latest article, Abayomi noted that the Emergency Operations Centre, in collaboration with all relevant partners, is actively involved in contact tracing, community surveillance, awareness campaigns, sample testing and ensuring that cases confirmed cases of cholera receive appropriate medical treatment.

He advised residents to strictly observe personal and environmental hygiene.

Situation in Ogun

The Ogun State Government on Friday also confirmed the outbreak of the disease that has claimed one life and hospitalized five people.

It has directed school principals to ensure the good health and safety of all students and staff to prevent the spread of cholera within school communities.

The Kano State Government also warned residents of the state against using rainwater for drinking and other domestic activities.

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.