The Lagos State Government has expressed concern over a highly aggressive and easily transmissible strain of Cholera identified within the state, posing a significant risk of widespread transmission.
Prof. Akin Abayomi, the State Commissioner for Health, revealed this information in a recent update on his Instagram page @profakinabayomi.
He confirmed that laboratory tests have indicated Cholera as the cause of the recent outbreak in Lagos, with 17 cases confirmed out of 350 suspected cases, resulting in 15 deaths so far.
In response, the commissioner emphasized that suspected cases are receiving free treatment at public health facilities across the state, following established public health response protocols.
He noted that community-based case identification and contact tracing efforts have led to a peak in case numbers, which are now beginning to decrease.
Abayomi highlighted the state’s collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), as well as international partners such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Local Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) are actively engaged in raising awareness and conducting community-based surveillance activities.
Meanwhile, in Ondo State, the government has taken proactive measures to prevent potential Cholera spread.
Dr. Banji Ajaka, the Commissioner for Health, reassured the public that preparations are in place and an immediate response plan has been activated.
Ajaka confirmed that there have been no active Cholera cases reported in Ondo State.
The government has strengthened the Rapid Response Team across the state’s senatorial districts through the COPREP programme, involving PHC coordinators, laboratory focal persons, and disease surveillance officers.
Additionally, an emergency preparedness committee will focus on ensuring access to clean water, improving sanitation, strengthening healthcare facilities, and coordinating efforts across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The commissioner urged citizens to maintain high standards of personal and food hygiene and to seek medical attention promptly if experiencing symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting.
