Cholera Outbreak Claims Five Lives, 60 Hospitalised In Lagos

An outbreak of severe gastroenteritis in communities around Eti Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, and Kosofe local government areas of Lagos State has claimed the lives of five persons with 60 others hospitalised.

This was disclosed by the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi while reacting to the state surveillance reports.

Abayomi said the state government has issued a call for heightened vigilance and the adoption of precautionary measures to prevent the spread of a potential cholera outbreak in the state.

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Abayomi revealed further that sadly, five deaths have been recorded mainly from patients presenting late with extreme dehydration.

“We have activated a statewide heightened surveillance and response.

“The Ministry of Health Directorate of Environmental Health and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) have been alerted to investigate a possible water contamination source in the Lekki Victoria Island axis. We suspect a possible cholera outbreak; however, samples have been taken for confirmation. As of April 28, 2024, Nigeria reported 815 suspected cholera cases and 14 deaths across 25 states,” he said.

The Commissioner noted that following recent rains, Lagos State has seen a notable increase in cases of severe vomiting and watery stools, adding that urban slums and crowded areas with poor sanitation are particularly at risk.