The Lagos State Ministry of Health has announced a cholera outbreak in the state. Earlier in the week, residents expressed concerns about a possible outbreak, and after cases of severe gastroenteritis were reported, the Lagos State Government urged increased vigilance and precautionary measures to prevent further spread.
Health Commissioner Akin Abayomi identified Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, and Kosofe as local government areas that might be affected.
“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,” he said.
The commissioner noted a rise in severe vomiting and diarrhea cases after recent rains, stressing that urban slums and densely populated areas with poor sanitation are particularly vulnerable.
The World Health Organization states that cholera is a sudden-onset diarrheal disease caused by consuming food or water tainted with the bacterium *Vibrio cholerae*. Its spread is associated with insufficient access to clean water and sanitation.
“Cholera spreads through direct transmission by eating or drinking contaminated food or water, and indirect transmission due to poor sanitation and lack of handwashing,” Akin Abayomi explained.
Residents are advised to rely on the Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and accredited local health facilities for updates and guidance. Report suspected cases to hotlines 08023169485, 08137412348, or helplines 767 or 112
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