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Cholera: The death toll jumps to 37 as Lagos records 401 cases.

By: Adisa Deborah

Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, Director of Public Affairs at the state Ministry of Health, has confirmed six more cholera deaths in Lagos State, bringing the total to 15. Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, has also stated that cholera cases in the state had increased to 401.

 

The International Organization for Migration and the World Health Organization have reported six further deaths in Lagos and one in Ogun, bringing the total to 37. The reopening of schools after the Sallah holiday may exacerbate Nigeria’s cholera outbreak, which is both endemic and seasonal.

 

The Ministry of Health in Lagos State has declared a cholera outbreak, with Lagos Island serving as the epicenter. The special adviser, Kemi Ogunyemi, claimed that the total number of cases in Lagos has climbed to 401, with Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti Osa having the greatest numbers. The death toll has increased to 21, up six from the previously reported 15 fatalities.

 

The Ministry of Health is monitoring suspected cases in LGAs and undertaking surveillance measures to prevent the spread of cholera. The government is giving free treatment at public health institutions, and individuals should seek medical attention if they have symptoms such as watery diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.

 

The Ministry of Health is monitoring suspected cases in LGAs and undertaking surveillance measures to prevent the spread of cholera. The government is giving free treatment at public health institutions, and individuals should seek medical attention if they have symptoms such as watery diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.

 

The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has recorded 14 cases of cholera across four local government areas, including Obafemi Owode and Ijebu North. The state commissioner of health recommended citizens to practice excellent hygiene and avoid consuming water from unknown sources. Following the epidemic, the FDA conducted a water quality analysis in 30 states.

 

The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, led by Permanent Secretary Alhaji Aliyu Shinkafi, is undertaking water analysis to address Vibrio cholerae outbreaks in Nigeria. National Water Quality Reference Laboratories in Lagos, Enugu, and Sokoto are collecting samples to determine the existence of the virus.

 

The National WASH in Emergency Technical Working Group has taught state working groups on preparedness, preventive, and response techniques, such as hygiene promotion and water safety planning. Nigerians are recommended to boil or purify their drinking water before consumption. An emergency response team has been formed in Cross River State.

 

Jola Akintola, the state Commissioner for Health, emphasized the Osun State Government’s efforts to contain the current cholera outbreak. To prevent the disease from spreading, the state has increased public awareness, notably at automobile parks and markets. Although there have been no cholera infections during the current outbreak, one fatality has been confirmed in March 2024.

 

Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), led by Communications Officer Robert Egbe, has encouraged state governments to address the underlying causes of the cholera outbreak in Osun. Despite outreach and safety standards, no suspected cases have been reported. Egbe emphasizes the necessity of teaching people how to prevent illness outbreaks.

 

Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director of CAPPA, underlined the severe dehydration caused by cholera, an infectious illness disseminated by unsafe water and contaminated food, underlining the importance of proper public water management.