Thursday, June 20, 2024 - The Lagos State Government says deaths from the cholera outbreak in the state have increased from 15 to 21, while infections also increased from 350 to 401 infections.
Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor
on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, said the rise in cases was anticipated following
the Eid-el Kabir celebration, in which large gatherings occurred.
made the disclosure in an update
released by Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, Director of Public Affairs in the state’s
Ministry of Health on Thursday, June 20, in Lagos.
She said the cases increased to 401 across
Lagos, with Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti Osa, recording the highest numbers of
infections.
Ogunyemi, however, noted that suspected
cases are subsiding across local government areas (LGAs), particularly in
previously affected LGAs due to the state government’s interventions and
surveillance efforts.
She gave the update on the outbreak after
meeting with members of the Lagos State Public Health Emergency Operations
Centre (PHEOC).
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."
Ogunyemi advised citizens to seek medical
attention immediately if they experience symptoms such as watery diarrhoea,
vomiting, abdominal pain, general malaise and fever.
She added that cholera treatment was
provided free of charge at all public health facilities.
Ogunyemi reiterated the state government’s
commitment to ensuring that residents of Lagos receive quality and affordable
health care.
The Special Adviser commended local, national, and international partners—including UNICEF, WHO, NCDC, NIMR, Red Cross, and others—for their support in combating the outbreak.
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