Lagos reports rising death and infection numbers

The Lagos State Government says deaths from the cholera outbreak in the state have increased from 15 to 21, while infections have also increased from 350 to 401.

The Special Adviser on Health to the Lagos State Governor, Kemi Ogunyemi, said the government anticipated the rise in cases following the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir, which attracted large gatherings.

Mrs Ogunyemi said this in an update released by Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, Director of Public Affairs at the state Ministry of Health, on Thursday in Lagos.

He said cases increased to 401 in Lagos, with Lagos Island, Kosofe and Eti Osa recording the highest number of infections.

Ms Ogunyemi, however, noted that suspected cases are declining in all local government areas (LGAs), particularly previously affected LGAs, due to the interventions and surveillance efforts of the state government.

He gave the update on the outbreak after meeting members of the Lagos State Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC).

“The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Environment and its agency, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), continues to collect samples from water, food and beverage sources to identify the source of contamination .

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“We have also intensified our surveillance activities in the communities, particularly in the affected local government areas, to address the situation head-on.

“We are also working with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, as well as the Ministry of Tertiary Education, to ensure that all precautions are taken in our schools to protect children and students upon their return.

“However, residents should remain vigilant, practice good hand hygiene and participate in community sanitation activities to stop the spread of cholera,” he said.

‘What citizens should do’

Mrs. Ogunyemi advised citizens to seek medical attention immediately if they experience watery diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, malaise and fever.

He added that the state government provides cholera treatment free of charge in all public health facilities.

Mrs. Ogunyemi reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring that Lagos residents receive affordable and quality healthcare.

Support from international organizations

The Special Adviser commended local, national and international partners (including UNICEF, WHO, NCDC, NIMR, Red Cross and others) for their support in fighting the outbreak.

“Our gratitude is also extended to the dedicated team of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, environmental health officers, Water Corporation officials, surveillance officers, agency heads, PHEOC members and volunteers who work around the clock. of the day to combat the disease. and keep Lagos safe,” Ogunyemi said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on June 11, Lagos alerted residents that the state had recorded excess cases of severe gastroenteritis.

Outbreak

The state Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, a professor, revealed on June 15 that laboratory tests confirmed a cholera outbreak in the state.

He said testing identified the strain as highly aggressive and contagious, with potential for widespread transmission.

Abayomi revealed that 350 suspected cases of cholera were reported in 29 districts of various LGAs in the state.

According to him, at that time there were 17 confirmed cases and 15 deaths attributed to severe dehydration caused by delayed presentation to health facilities.

Data from the Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC) showed that Nigeria recorded more than 1,141 suspected and 65 confirmed cases of cholera, resulting in more than 30 deaths between January 1 and June 11 across 30 states.

(YAYA)