… Strengthens Measures to Contain Spread
….Urges Caution During Ileya Festivities
Following the initial warning and guidance issued by the Lagos State Ministry of Health regarding the cholera outbreak, the Lagos State Government has activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) at Mainland Hospital, Yaba, Lagos. The PHEOC was established to address the rising number of severe gastroenteritis cases across various Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Lagos State.
Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, revealed this while discussing the actions taken to manage the outbreak in Lagos State. He disclosed that 350 suspected cases of cholera had been reported in 29 wards across multiple LGAs in Lagos State, with 17 confirmed cases and 15 deaths recorded thus far.
“The laboratory analysis and test results have confirmed Cholera sub type O-1. This particular subtype is linked to more severe illness. The frequency of new cases per day varies across LGAs, as per our ongoing surveillance and monitoring updates.
“While there has been an increase from the figures released 3 days ago, cases are now significantly decreasing in previously impacted LGAs due to our interventions and surveillance efforts. Nonetheless, we are observing some new cases in previously unaffected LGAs, indicating the need for residents to strictly adhere to preventive, personal, and environmental hygiene measures,” the Commissioner stated.
He further mentioned that “The Directorate of Environmental Health of the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency of the Ministry of Environment, has collected samples of water sources, as well as food and beverage samples in all the affected LGAs, while inspections of facilities are currently ongoing.
“We are strategically placing cholera kits in health facilities throughout the State. Our strategies to manage the outbreak also encompass the distribution of Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS), as well as public health awareness campaigns,” he elaborated.
Prof. Akin Abayomi highlighted that a high-level team from the Lagos State Government Ministry of Health recently concluded a meeting with the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr. Jide Idris, and his team, along with key partners from the World Health Organization (WHO), to ensure all interventions are optimized.
Abayomi urged residents to support the State Government’s initiatives by strictly following preventive measures, cooperating with health authorities, and engaging in community-wide sanitation activities to reduce the spread of cholera, especially with the Eid-al-Adha celebration approaching.
“During this Ileya festive season, residents are advised to consume safe water, thoroughly cook food, maintain personal hygiene, wash hands regularly, use hand sanitizers, and avoid crowded places. Reporting symptoms such as watery diarrhea or vomiting promptly is crucial to save lives and prevent transmission to other community members. Treatment for suspected cholera is provided free of charge at all government facilities as part of the government’s standard public health response,” he emphasized.
While acknowledging the proactive role played by the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in containing the outbreak, the Commissioner commended the technical assistance provided by national and international organizations, including the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF, in supporting the response.
“The Lagos State Government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and with assistance from our partners, is escalating efforts to manage the outbreak. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide regular updates. Residents are advised to stay informed and adhere to public health recommendations to ensure their safety and well-being during this period,” the Commissioner concluded.
