The Lagos State government has issued a warning about the highly aggressive and contagious strain of cholera currently affecting the state. The strain, identified as cholera sub-type O-1, is associated with more severe diseases and has already resulted in 15 fatalities and 17 confirmed cases of cholera.
According to the Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, the identified strain is "highly aggressive and contagious, with potential for widespread dissemination."
Abayomi noted that the number of cases has peaked and is now significantly declining due to community-based case finding and contact tracing efforts.
The geographical distribution of suspected cases by Local Government Area showed that Lagos Island is the epicentre of the outbreak, followed by Kosofe, Eti-Osa, Lagos Mainland, Ojo, Ikorodu, Shomolu, Surulere, Apapa, Mushin, Ifako Ijaiye, Alimosho, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Oshodi-Isolo, Ikeja, Ibeju Lekki, Badagry, and Amuwo-Odofin.
The government is receiving support from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and international partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO) Nigeria and UNICEF Nigeria. Local non-governmental organizations are actively involved in raising awareness and conducting community-based surveillance efforts.
