Lagos Faces Surge In Cholera With 21 Deaths, 401 Suspected Cases

The number of deaths from the outbreak of cholera in Lagos has increased to 21 on Thursday, with 401 suspected cases reported across the state.

Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, announced the development in an update on the disease in Lagos, revealing that the overall number of cholera cases has climbed to 401 across Lagos, with Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti Osa having the highest numbers.

Ogunyemi, who provided an update on the outbreak after meeting with members of the Lagos State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC), also stated that the death toll has grown to 21, an increase of six from the previously reported 15 fatalities.
She said: “The rise in cases was anticipated following the Ileya festivities, during which large gatherings occurred. She, however, noted that suspected cases are subsiding across LGAs, particularly in previously affected LGAs due to state government interventions and surveillance efforts.

She stated that the Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Health and other sister agencies, is conducting rigorous surveillance and monitoring of the issue, as well as executing planned programmes and actions to contain its spread.

The Special Adviser urged individuals to seek medical assistance immediately if they develop symptoms such as watery diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, general malaise, or fever, emphasizing that cholera treatment is free of charge at all public healthcare facilities.

While noting that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to ensuring that Lagos residents receive quality and affordable health care, the Special Adviser expressed the State Government's gratitude to local, national, and international partners, including UNICEF, WHO, NCDC, NIMR, Red Cross, and others, for their assistance in combating the outbreak.