Cholera Outbreak Heightens In Lagos After Eid, Death Toll Hits 21- Govt
Lagos State Government has stated that death from the state’s cholera outbreak has risen from 15 to 21, while infections also increased to 401 from 350 infections.
Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health explained on Thursday that the rise in cases was anticipated following the Eid-el Kabir celebration, in which large gatherings occurred.
Speaking in an update released by Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, Director, Public Affairs in the state’s ministry of health in Lagos, Ogunyemi noted that the cases increased to 401 across Lagos, with Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti Osa, recording the highest numbers of infections.
She also added that suspected cases are subsiding across local government areas (LGAs), particularly in previously affected LGAs due to state government’s interventions and surveillance efforts.
She said, “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,”.
Citizens were urged to seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms such as watery diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, general malaise and fever adding that treatment for cholera was provided free of charge at all public health facilities.
(NAN)
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