The Lagos State Government has called for increased vigilance and the adoption of precautionary measures as the state grapples with a cholera outbreak that has claimed five lives, News About Nigeria reports.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Prof. Akin Abayomi, the state Commissioner for Health, warned that there has been a surge in severe gastroenteritis cases over the past 48 hours.
The outbreak has primarily affected communities in Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, and Kosofe Local Government Areas.
Abayomi reported that the outbreak has resulted in approximately 60 hospital admissions, with fatalities mainly due to the late presentation of patients suffering from extreme dehydration.
“We have activated a statewide heightened surveillance and response,” Abayomi stated.
He added that the Ministry of Health’s Directorate of Environmental Health and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) have been tasked with investigating possible water contamination sources in the Lekki and Victoria Island areas.
“We suspect a possible cholera outbreak; however, samples have been taken for confirmation,” he said.
The commissioner noted an increase in cases of severe vomiting and watery stools following recent rainfall, particularly in urban slums and crowded areas with poor sanitation.
Abayomi explained that cholera is a highly contagious disease causing severe diarrhoea, which can be life-threatening, especially in areas with inadequate water treatment and sanitation.
“Cholera spreads through direct transmission by eating or drinking contaminated food or water and indirect transmission due to poor sanitation and a lack of handwashing,” Abayomi explained.
He mentioned symptoms of cholera, which include severe watery diarrhoea, vomiting, rapid dehydration, muscle cramps, fever, and, in severe cases, collapse.
For treatment, Abayomi recommended oral rehydration salts (ORS) for mild to moderate dehydration and intravenous fluids for severe cases, administered under medical supervision.
To prevent cholera, Abayomi urged citizens to ensure safe drinking water by boiling, chlorinating, or using bottled water, and to avoid ice products made from untreated water.
He stressed the importance of maintaining proper sanitation by using toilets, safely disposing of feces, and avoiding open defecation.
Practicing good hygiene, such as regular handwashing with soap and clean water, especially before eating, preparing food, and after using the toilet, is also crucial.
Abayomi advised residents to rely on the state Ministry of Health, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and accredited local health facilities for guidance, advice, and updates on prevention, treatment, and management.
Suspected cases should be promptly reported via the emergency hotlines: 08023169485, 08137412348, or by using helplines 767 or 112.
Abayomi assured the public that the government would keep them informed and reiterated the state’s commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of its citizens.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that data from the NCDC showed that as of April 28, Nigeria had reported 815 suspected cholera cases and 14 deaths across 25 states.
