After the Cholera outbreak in various parts of the country, at least 21 individuals have been confirmed dead in Lagos State.
The state Ministry of Health has received reports of 401 suspected cases, with a growing number of severe gastroenteritis cases in multiple local government areas (LGAs) in the state.
Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, announced that the total number of cholera cases in the state has now reached 401, with the highest numbers reported in Lagos Island, Kosofe, Ikorodu, and Eti Osa.
Following a meeting with the members of the Lagos State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC), Ogunyemi revealed that the death toll has climbed to 21, marking an increase of 6 deaths from the previously reported figure of 15.
She said: “The rise in cases was anticipated, following the Ileya festivities, during which large gatherings occurred.’’
Suspected cases were decreasing across LGAs, especially those previously affected, thanks to state government interventions and surveillance efforts.
The Lagos State government, led by Ogunyemi, emphasized maintaining strict surveillance and monitoring through the Ministry of Health and sister agencies. They are also implementing programs to control the spread effectively.
“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.
Ogunyemi emphasized the importance of seeking prompt medical attention upon experiencing symptoms like watery diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, general malaise, and fever. Cholera treatment is available free of charge at all public health facilities.
The Special Adviser acknowledged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s dedication to providing quality and affordable healthcare to Lagos residents. He also expressed gratitude on behalf of the state government to local, national, and international partners, such as UNICEF, WHO, NCDC, NIMR, Red Cross, and others, for their assistance in addressing 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,” she added.
Causes of Cholera:
Cholera is a severe diarrheal illness caused by infection with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
It spreads primarily through contaminated water and food.
The bacterium thrives rapidly in unsanitary conditions.
Preventive Measures Taken in Response to Cholera Outbreak:
The Lagos State Ministry of Health issued an initial alert and advisory.
The state government activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) at Mainland Hospital, Yaba, Lagos.
Cholera Outbreak Details:
The outbreak was announced by the state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi.
Initial suspected cases were reported in 29 wards across multiple local government areas (LGAs).
There were 17 confirmed cases and 15 fatalities reported.
Lagos, the Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, disclosed that the total number of cholera cases has increased to 401 across the state, with Lagos Island, Kosofe, Ikorodu and Eti Osa recording the highest numbers.
Ogunyemi, while providing an update on the outbreak after meeting with members of Lagos State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, PHEOC, added that the death toll had also risen 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 were subsiding across LGAs, particularly previously affected LGAs, due to the state government’s interventions and surveillance efforts.
Ogunyemi said the Lagos State government, through the Ministry of Health and other sister agencies, was maintaining rigorous surveillance and monitoring of the situation and implementing planned programs and activities to curb the spread.
“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.
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Ogunyemi urged citizens to seek medical attention immediately after they experienced symptoms, such as watery diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, general malaise, and fever, stressing that cholera treatment was provided free of charge at all public health facilities.
While noting that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remained committed to ensuring that residents of Lagos received quality and affordable healthcare, 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,” she added.
Causes of Cholera
Cholera, a severe diarrheal illness, caused by infection with the bacterium vibrio cholerae, spreads primarily through contaminated water and food, thriving rapidly in unsanitary conditions.
As part of pre-emptive measures, following the initial alert and advisory issued by the Lagos State ministry of health, the state government, activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, PHEOC, at Mainland Hospital, Yaba, Lagos.
Announcing the outbreak of the disease earlier, the state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, had revealed that the initial suspected cases of cholera were reported in 29 wards across multiple local government areas, LGAs, with 17 confirmed cases and 15 fatalities.
“The laboratory investigation and test results have so far confirmed Cholera sub type O-1. This sub-type is associated with more severe disease. The pattern of new cases per day varies across LGAs, according to our ongoing surveillance and monitoring updates.”
“The Directorate of Environmental Health of the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency of the Ministry of Environment, have collected samples of water sources, food and beverage samples in all the affected LGAs, while inspections of facilities are ongoing.
“We are pre-positioning cholera kits in health facilities across the State. Our efforts to control the outbreak also include the distribution of Oral Rehydration Solutions, ORS, public health education campaigns,’’ Abayomi had said.
No surge of cases in LASUTH —CMD
Meanwhile, Professor Adetokunbo Fabamnwo, the Chief Medical Director of the Lagos State Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), revealed yesterday that the five cholera patients who were admitted to the hospital last week have been discharged. He reassured the public that there is no increase in cases at the facility. Fabamwo, speaking to Vanguard, emphasized that the numbers were decreasing and urged residents of Lagos not to panic, confirming that there is no surge of cases at LASUTH.
“We had only five cases in LASUTH last week we do not have fresh cases and they have all gone home. As you know the trend is that even across the state the number is reducing. There is no cause for panic anymore,’’ he said.
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“According to the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the primary cause of the cholera outbreak has been linked to the consumption of contaminated water and inadequate sanitation.
“Every individual must take responsibility for ensuring their water is safe for consumption. The Lagos Water Corporation remains committed to providing safe and clean drinking water to all residents of Lagos State. We urge the public to cooperate with our teams and follow precautionary measures to prevent further spread of the disease,” LWC added.
24-Hour Waste Evacuation Directive for PSP Operators
The state government has instructed Private Sector Participants (PSP) operators to ensure seamless waste evacuation round the clock.
The Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, emphasized the importance of personal and domestic hygiene, along with proper waste management practices to combat the cholera outbreak.
This directive comes in response to the rising number of deaths and hospitalizations due to the cholera outbreak in the state.
Residents are urged to take proactive steps to prevent the further spread of the disease, given the seriousness of the public health concern.
“The outbreak of cholera in the state is a serious public health concern. It is imperative that every resident takes proactive measures to prevent further spread of the disease.
‘’Ensuring proper personal and domestic hygiene, including efficient waste management, will go a long way in curbing the spread of the fatal disease,’’ he added.
Precautionary Measures
The head of LAWMA recommended various precautionary measures, such as:
Proper waste disposal
Ensuring safe drinking water
Regular hand-washing with soap
Practicing food safety
Using appropriate sanitation facilities, among others.
Gbadegesin urged residents to avoid haphazard waste disposal and adopt the habit of bagging and disposing of their waste in covered bins to prevent potential disease spread by vectors. This practice also ensures smooth evacuation by designated PSP operators.
“LAWMA will continue to intensify efforts at making sure that waste generated across the state is promptly and efficiently managed, with PSP service providers who are working round the clock to clean up black spots.
‘’We are fully committed to the health and safety of every Lagosian. Our teams are on the ground, ensuring that waste is properly collected and disposed off to minimise health risks. However, we need the cooperation of all residents to maintain a clean and safe environment,” he said.
Factors contributing to cholera outbreaks in Lagos:
High level of migration: Increases the risk of disease spread.
Unhygienic living conditions: Lack of proper sanitation facilities.
Overcrowding: Densely populated areas facilitate disease transmission.
Open defecation: Contaminates water sources.
Ignorance about disease transmission: Lack of awareness leads to increased vulnerability.
Limited sanitation facilities: Many residents lack access to proper toilets.
Specific areas affected: Slums like Agege, Ikotun, Ejigbo, Ijeshatedo/Itire, Ilaje, Iwaya, Badiya, Ajegunle, and the Makoko community face significant challenges with sanitation.
Overcrowding in Lagos creates ideal conditions for waterborne diseases like cholera to spread, with blocked drainage systems leading to stagnant water pools that breed vermin capable of transmitting cholera. The main routes of transmission are contaminated food and water.
Unequal access to potable water in Lagos forces many residents to rely on contaminated sources like wells or untreated water from vendors, contributing to the spread of cholera.
Unsafe water sources, street-sold drinks, and unwashed fruits all contribute to the cholera outbreaks in Lagos.
Widespread unsafe practices such as open defecation and inappropriate waste disposal are major causes of water contamination and cholera spread.
The dense population in Lagos makes it challenging to maintain hygiene practices and prevent close contact between sick and healthy individuals.
Factors such as public transportation, crowded markets, and gatherings increase the risk of cholera transmission, straining healthcare systems.
Inadequate hygienic conditions and sanitation, especially in densely populated urban slums with limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities, present obstacles to effectively combating cholera in Lagos.
Community education, risk communication, and public health campaigns are crucial for spreading awareness about cholera prevention, good hygiene habits, and early symptoms.
The wet season exacerbates the situation as floods can contaminate water sources and lead to cholera outbreaks.
A collaborative effort involving community members, public health authorities, and healthcare professionals is essential to address the challenges of cholera control in Lagos, prioritizing interventions related to water, sanitation, and hygiene.
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