Cholera Outbreak: Death toll hits 29, suspected cases soar to 579 in Lagos

The death toll in the Cholera outbreak in Lagos has risen to 29, with suspected cases soaring to 579 and confirmed cases hitting 43.

Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi disclosed this on Monday at a news conference to give an update on the cholera outbreak, held in Alausa, Ikeja.

Abayomi said the number of deaths rose because the majority of the patients afflicted with the ailment presented themselves late to the hospitals.

He stated that the government and its partners had embarked on active case search and contact trace to ensure that the spread of cholera is halted.

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Abayomi urged Lagosians with suspected cases to report to the hospitals as treatment is free in a bid to slow down the spread.

The commissioner said government officials had also deliberately gone out to search for those with suspected cases of cholera.

He listed the symptoms of cholera to include profuse diarrhoea, vomiting, fatigue, fever, abdominal cramps and shock.

Abayomi also said that those affected with cholera could be given Oral Rehydration therapy, ORT, to halt the dehydration before they are taken to the hospital.

The commissioner disclosed that since the outbreak on 5 June 2024, cases had been rising, with the highest cases reported on 10 June.

He listed areas with the highest cholera burden to include Lagos Island, Eti-Osa and Kosofe Local Governments, while there are cases in Ajeromi, Ifako Ijaiye, among others.

The commissioner said many children were affected by the cholera outbreak along with traders and artisans.

He, however, said reported cases had nose-dived currently, adding that no cases had been reported in any Lagos school.

So far, Abayomi said the government and its team had adopted one health approach to response to curbing the spread of the disease, while the directorate of environmental health and Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency had been working assiduously to ensure the spread is halted.

“We have continued inspection of cases in mostly affected places, intensify sensitisation to ensure Lagosians are aware,” he said, urging residents to support the government by maintaining personal hygiene, washing of hands frequently, and reporting suspected cases, among others.

On measures in schools, Abayomi said school authorities were being sensitised on the reporting techniques, monitoring of students health daily, promoting healthy diets and ensuring oral rehydration in schools.