Lagos Health Alert
The Lagos State Health Commissioner, Prof. Akin Abayomi, announced on Monday that laboratory tests have confirmed a highly aggressive and contagious strain of cholera in the state, as it emphasises the high spread of the disease. The disease, caused by ingesting the Vibrio cholerae bacteria, has the potential for widespread dissemination.
Cholera Outbreak Confirmed
Prof. Abayomi shared this update via his Instagram page, emphasizing the severity of the outbreak. Cholera, a food and water-borne disease, causes severe acute watery diarrhoea and can be fatal within hours if untreated. In Nigeria, cholera is endemic and seasonal, peaking during the rainy season, especially in areas with poor sanitation.
Rising Cases and Concerns
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has warned the public about the increasing trend of cholera cases as the rainy season intensifies. Lagos is one of the ten states contributing 90% to the current cholera outbreak. Other affected states include Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, and Nasarawa.
Geographical Spread
The latest data shows Lagos Island as the epicentre with 106 cases, followed by other areas such as Kosofe, Eti-Osa, and Lagos Mainland. In total, Lagos has reported 350 suspected cases, with 17 confirmed and 15 fatalities attributed to severe dehydration caused by delayed medical presentation.
Health Measures and Support
Prof. Abayomi stated that the state is receiving support from the NCDC and international partners, including WHO and UNICEF. Local NGOs are actively raising awareness and conducting community-based surveillance efforts. The state is intensifying public health campaigns, especially during the Sallah celebrations, to prevent further spread.
Free Treatment and Public Safety
Suspected cholera cases are receiving free treatment at public health facilities. Prof. Abayomi reassured the public of ongoing efforts to manage the outbreak and urged everyone to maintain good hygiene practices to curb the spread of the disease.
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