Cholera epidemic: a strain identified in a very aggressive and contagious state, warns the Lagos government

• We are ready to fight the disease, says Ondo government
• Urges residents to take precautionary measures

The Lagos State Government has said that the identified strain of the cholera outbreak in the state is highly aggressive and contagious, with significant potential for large-scale spread.

The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, who disclosed this yesterday in a post shared on his Instagram page @profakinabayomi, noted that laboratory tests have confirmed that the recent outbreak in the state is cholera.

He said 17 confirmed cases had been recorded out of 350 suspected cases, with 15 deaths so far.

The commissioner noted that suspected cases are receiving free treatment at public health facilities in the state, in line with public health response protocols.

Abayomi said case finding and contact tracing at the community level led to a spike in the number of cases, which is now declining.

He said the state government was receiving support from the Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and international partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Health Fund. (UNICEF), while local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) actively raise awareness and carry out community monitoring efforts.

The commissioner further noted that the state is intensifying its public health campaigns in light of Sallah celebrations and the transmission risks associated with gatherings and dine-in services, in order to avoid a resurgence.
MEANWHILE, the Ondo State Government said structures to combat the possible spread of cholera in the state had been put in place and immediate response was being activated.

According to the state Health Commissioner, Dr. BanjiAjaka, who revealed that no active cases of the disease have been recorded, the government is ready to restrict any form of detection.

Ajaka also said the state had strengthened the rapid response team, which includes primary health care coordinators, laboratory focal points and disease surveillance officers in the senatorial districts of the state, by the through the COPREP program.

He said an emergency preparedness committee would be set up to work on drinking water supply, sanitation, strengthening health institutions and other relevant sectors.

Furthermore, he said there would be collaborative efforts between all agencies in the health sector and other ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

The commissioner, therefore, called on citizens of the state to maintain a high level of personal and dietary hygiene and report promptly to the hospital in case of diarrhea and vomiting.