Fear, Panic As Cholera Hits Lagos, Five Confirmed Dead, Over 60 Hospitalized

By Akinwale Kasali

The outbreak of severe Gsatroenteristis in communities around Eti Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, and Kosofe Local Government Areas of Lagos State has spread fear and panic to numerous Lagosians.

The disclosure of the death of five persons and over 60 hospitalised as a result of Cholera outbreak, is an issue the Lagos State Government and the Ministry of Health is contending with.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, who disclosed this while reacting to the state surveillance reports, 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.

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

According to Abayomi, “ 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.