PeakNews Online
Lagos, Nigeria – The number of suspected cholera cases in Lagos State has surged to 401, with 21 fatalities, according to Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health. The highest numbers of cases have been recorded in Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti Osa.
This update was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Public Affairs at the state Ministry of Health, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo. Cholera, a food and water-borne disease caused by ingesting Vibrio cholerae bacteria, can lead to severe acute watery diarrhea and can be fatal within hours if untreated. The disease is endemic and seasonal in Nigeria, particularly during the rainy season and in areas with poor sanitation.
“Following the last update on the cholera outbreak in Lagos, which reported 350 suspected cases and 15 fatalities, Dr. Ogunyemi disclosed that the total number of cholera cases has increased to 401 across Lagos, with Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti Osa recording the highest numbers. The death toll has also risen to 21, an increase of six from the previously reported 15 fatalities,” the statement partly read.
Dr. Ogunyemi attributed the rise in cases to the Ileya festivities, which saw large gatherings. However, she noted that suspected cases are now subsiding across Local Government Areas, particularly in previously affected LGAs, due to the state government’s interventions and surveillance efforts.
The state government, through the Ministry of Health and other agencies, is maintaining rigorous surveillance and implementing measures to curb the spread of cholera. “The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Environment and its agency, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, 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,” said Dr. Ogunyemi.
She emphasized the importance of maintaining good hand hygiene and participating in community sanitation activities to stop the spread of cholera. Residents are advised to seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms such as watery diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, general malaise, and fever. Cholera treatment is provided free of charge at all public health facilities.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to providing quality and affordable health care to Lagos residents. The state government extends gratitude to local, national, and international partners—including UNICEF, WHO, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the Nigerian Institute for Medical Research, 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,” added Dr. Ogunyemi.
