Jude Diugwu
The Lagos State ministry of health has reported that the death toll in Cholera outbreak in the state has risen to 29, with suspected cases soaring to 579 and confirmed cases hitting 43.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi gave the update on Monday at a news conference on the cholera outbreak, held in Alausa, Ikeja.
Abayomi urged Lagosians with suspected cases to report to the hospitals as treatment is free in a bid to slow down the spread.
The affected areas include communities around Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, and Kosofe Local Government Areas.
He revealed that the number of deaths rose because majority of the patients afflicted with the ailment presented themselves late to the hospitals.
According to him, the government and its partners had embarked on active case search and contact trace to ensure that the spread of cholera is halted.
The commissioner said government officials had also deliberately gone out to search for those with suspected cases of cholera.
He listed the symptoms of cholera to include profuse diarrhea, vomitting, fatigue, fever, abdominal cramps and shock.
Abayomi also said that those affected with cholera could be given Oral Rehydration Therapy, ORT, to halt the dehydration before they are taken to the hospital.
The commissioner disclosed that since the outbreak on 5 June, 2024, cases had been rising, with the highest cases reported on 10 June.
He listed areas with the highest cholera burden to include Lagos Island, Eti-Osa and Kosofe Local Governments, while there are cases in Ajeromi, Ifako Ijaiye, among others.
The commissioner said many children were affected by the cholera outbreak along with traders and artisans.
He, however, said reported cases had nose-dived currently, adding that no cases had been reported in any Lagos school.
So far, Abayomi said the government and its team had adopted one health approach to response to curbing the spread of the disease, while the directorate of environmental health and Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency had been working assiduously to ensure the spread is halted.
“We have continued inspection of cases in mostly affected places, intensify sensitisation to ensure Lagosians are aware,” he said, urging residents to support government by maintaining personal hygiene, washing of hands frequently, reporting suspected cases, among others.
