Five people have died and 60 hospitalizations have resulted from a severe Cholera outbreak in Lagos. The state government has issued a call for increased vigilance and the implementation of precautionary measures. In a statement on Tuesday, the government emphasized the importance of preventing further spread of the disease, noting a surge in severe gastroenteritis cases reported within the past 48 hours in Lagos.
In a statement on Tuesday, Lagos Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, reported severe gastroenteritis cases in the communities of Eti Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, and Kosofe LGAs.
The commissioner highlighted that the outbreak has led to around 60 hospital admissions, with five deaths primarily among patients who presented late with extreme dehydration.
“We have activated a statewide heightened surveillance and response,” he announced.
He added that the Ministry of Health, the Directorate of Environmental Health, and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) are investigating a potential water contamination source in the Lekki Victoria Island area.
“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.”
The commissioner noted that recent rainfalls in Lagos have led to a significant increase in severe vomiting and watery stools, especially in urban slums and crowded areas with poor sanitation.
He explained that cholera is a highly contagious disease causing severe diarrhea and can be life-threatening.
The disease is a major health burden in areas with poor water treatment and sanitation and could significantly impact Lagos state.
“Cholera spreads through consuming contaminated food or water and due to poor sanitation and lack of handwashing,” the commissioner explained.
“Symptoms include severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, rapid dehydration, muscle cramps, fever, and sometimes collapse.”
Abayomi mentioned that treatment for cholera involves rehydration with oral rehydration salts (ORS) for mild to moderate dehydration.
“Intravenous fluids are used for severe dehydration and are administered only in medical facilities under medical supervision,” he added.
“To prevent cholera, citizens should ensure safe drinking water by boiling, chlorinating, or using bottled water and avoid ice products made from untreated water. Proper sanitation practices, such as using toilets, safely disposing of feces, and avoiding open defecation, are crucial.
“Practicing good hygiene, like washing hands with soap and clean water regularly, especially before eating, preparing food, and after using the toilet, and following food safety guidelines, is essential.”
He urged citizens to rely on the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and accredited local health facilities for guidance, advice, and updates on prevention, treatment, and management.
