On Friday, the Lagos State Government reported that the death toll from the ongoing cholera outbreak has risen to 24 as of June 19, 2024. The update highlighted that while 417 suspected cases have been recorded, only 35 of these cases have been confirmed across the state’s 20 local government areas.
Earlier reports indicated that the death toll had increased from 15 to 21 fatalities, with 350 suspected cases. Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti Osa have reported the highest number of cases, according to Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health.
Ogunyemi attributed the rise in cases to large gatherings during the Ileya festivities but noted that the number of suspected cases is beginning to decline in some local government areas due to state government interventions and enhanced surveillance efforts.
During a meeting with the Lagos State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC), Ogunyemi emphasized the importance of ongoing efforts by the Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Health and other agencies, to curb the spread of cholera. She highlighted that rigorous surveillance, monitoring, and implementation of planned programs are central to their strategy.
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“The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Environment and its agency, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), is actively collecting samples from water sources, food, and beverages to identify contamination sources. Additionally, we have intensified our surveillance activities in communities, particularly in affected local government areas,” Ogunyemi explained.
Efforts to protect vulnerable populations, including school children, are also underway. The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the Ministry of Tertiary Education are working together to ensure that schools implement necessary precautions to safeguard students as they return to classes.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant, practice good hand hygiene, and engage in community sanitation activities to prevent further spread of the disease.
Ogunyemi advised citizens to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as watery diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, general malaise, and fever. She stressed that cholera treatment is provided free of charge at all public health facilities.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reiterated his commitment to providing quality and affordable healthcare to all Lagos residents.
Ogunyemi expressed gratitude on behalf of the state government to local, national, and international partners—including UNICEF, WHO, NCDC, NIMR, and the Red Cross—for their support in combating the cholera outbreak.
“Special thanks are extended to the dedicated team of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, lab scientists, environmental health officers, Water Corporation officers, surveillance officers, heads of agencies, PHEOC members, and volunteers who are tirelessly working to combat the disease and ensure the safety of Lagos residents,” Ogunyemi added.
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In Ogun State, the cholera outbreak has also claimed lives. The state’s Commissioner for Health, Tomi Coker, confirmed the death of a 62-year-old woman and reported that five other individuals have been hospitalized.
Globally, the cholera outbreak continues to pose a significant health threat. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a cumulative total of 194,897 deaths and 1,932 cases worldwide, underscoring the urgent need for continued vigilance and concerted efforts to combat this devastating disease.