The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, disclosed that the number of fatalities from the Cholera outbreak in the state has risen to 21, up from the previous report of 15, alongside 350 suspected cases.
She further elaborated that the total number of Cholera cases has climbed to 401 across Lagos, with the highest incidences recorded in Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti Osa.
Dr. Ogunyemi shared this update on Thursday following a meeting with members of the Lagos State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC).
She highlighted that the surge in cases was expected due to the Ileya festivities, characterized by large gatherings.
Despite the increase, Dr. Ogunyemi noted a decline in suspected cases across local government areas, especially in those previously affected, attributing it to the State Government’s interventions and surveillance measures.
The Special Adviser emphasized that the Lagos State Government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other related agencies, remains committed to vigilant surveillance and implementation of strategic programs to contain the spread of the outbreak.
“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.
“We are also working with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education as well as the Ministry of Tertiary Education to ensure all precautions are taken in our schools to protect children and scholars as they return. Residents must, however, remain vigilant, practice good hand hygiene, and participate in community sanitation activities to stop the spread of cholera,” the Special Adviser stated.
She advised that citizens seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms such as watery diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, general malaise, and fever, stressing that cholera treatment is provided free of charge at all public health facilities.
While noting that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to ensuring that residents of Lagos receive quality and affordable health care, the special adviser extended the gratitude of the State Government to local, national, and international partners—including UNICEF, WHO, NCDC, NIMR, Red Cross, and others—for their support in combating the outbreak.
“Appreciation is also extended to the dedicated team of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, lab scientists, environmental health officers, Water Corporation officers, surveillance officers, heads of agencies, members of PHEOC, and volunteers who are working around the clock to combat the disease and keep Lagos safe,” Ogunyemi said.