The Lagos State Government reported on Friday that a total of 24 people have died from cholera as of June 19, 2024, News About Nigeria reports.
This update follows the recording of 417 suspected cases, with 35 confirmed across the state’s 20 Local Government Council Areas.
The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Kemi Ogunyemi, indicated that the fatalities had risen from 15 to 21 within a day, along with an increase in suspected cases to 350.
The highest numbers were reported on Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti Osa.
Ogunyemi attributed the spike in cases to large gatherings during the Ileya festivities but noted a decline in suspected cases in previously affected LGAs due to state interventions and surveillance efforts.
“The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Environment and its agency, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), continues to collect samples of water sources, food, and beverages to identify the source of contamination. We have also intensified our surveillance activities in communities, particularly in affected local government areas, to address the situation head-on,” Ogunyemi said.
Efforts to contain the outbreak include rigorous surveillance, monitoring, and the implementation of targeted programmes and activities.
The state is also coordinating with educational ministries to ensure schools take necessary precautions to protect students as they return.
Ogunyemi emphasised the importance of vigilance and good hygiene practices among residents.
She urged citizens experiencing symptoms like watery diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, malaise, and fever to seek immediate medical attention, noting that treatment is free at all public health facilities.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to providing quality and affordable healthcare, Ogunyemi added.
She also thanked local, national, and international partners such as UNICEF, WHO, NCDC, NIMR, and the Red Cross for their support in combating the outbreak.
Meanwhile, Ogun State has also reported a cholera outbreak, with one death and five hospitalisations confirmed by Commissioner for Health, Tomi Coker.
Globally, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported 194,897 deaths and 1,932 cases of cholera from January 1 to May 26, 2024.
The highest numbers were recorded in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, followed by Africa, the Americas, Southeast Asia, and Europe.
No outbreaks were reported in the Western Pacific Region.
The WHO said there is a critical shortage of oral cholera vaccines (OCV), despite surpassing the emergency target of 5 million doses in early June.
The global demand for the vaccine continues to outpace supply, with 16 countries requesting 92 million doses since January 2023, almost double the 49 million produced during that period.
To address the crisis, WHO is collaborating with UNICEF and other partners to develop long-term solutions for cholera prevention and control.
