The Lagos State Government has issued an urgent call for heightened vigilance and the adoption of precautionary measures to prevent the spread of a potential cholera outbreak.
This alert follows an alarming rise in severe gastroenteritis cases reported in the state over the past 48 hours.
Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, disclosed that severe gastroenteritis cases have been identified in communities around Eti Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, and Kosofe LGA. These cases have resulted in approximately 60 hospital admissions and five deaths, primarily due to late presentations with extreme dehydration.
“We have activated a statewide heightened surveillance and response,” said Prof. Abayomi. The Ministry of Health’s Directorate of Environmental Health and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) are investigating a possible water contamination source in the Lekki-Victoria Island axis. While a cholera outbreak is suspected, samples have been taken for confirmation. As of April 28, 2024, Nigeria reported 815 suspected cholera cases and 14 deaths across 25 states.
The Commissioner noted a significant increase in severe vomiting and watery stools following recent rains, particularly affecting urban slums and crowded areas with poor sanitation.
Prof. Abayomi explained that cholera is a highly contagious disease causing severe diarrhea and can be life-threatening, especially in areas with poor water treatment and sanitation. Cholera spreads through contaminated food or water and poor sanitation practices. Symptoms include severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, rapid dehydration, muscle cramps, fever, and sometimes collapse.
Treatment for cholera includes rehydration using Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) for mild to moderate dehydration, and intravenous fluids for severe cases under medical supervision.
To prevent cholera, citizens are urged to ensure safe drinking water by boiling, chlorinating, or using bottled water, and avoiding ice products made from untreated water. Maintaining proper sanitation, using toilets, safely disposing of feces, and avoiding open defecation is crucial. Practicing good hygiene, such as regular handwashing with soap and clean water, especially before eating, preparing food, and after using the toilet, is essential.
The public is advised to rely on the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and accredited local health facilities for guidance, advice, and updates on prevention, treatment, and management. Suspected cases can be reported via emergency hotlines: 08023169485, 08137412348, or helplines 767 or 112.
Prof. Abayomi emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards of hygiene and taking proactive measures to prevent cholera outbreaks. He promised to keep the public informed and reiterated the Government’s commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of its citizens. “We urge everyone to adopt these preventive measures and report any suspected cases promptly to safeguard our communities,” he stated.
