Five dead, 60 hospitalised as Lagos reports suspected cholera outbreak

At least five people have been reported dead in Lagos as a result of a suspected cholera outbreak.

In a statement on Tuesday, Akin Abayomi, Lagos commissioner for health, said cases of severe gastroenteritis have been reported in communities around Eti Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, and Kosofe LGAs.

The commissioner said the outbreak has resulted in about 60 hospital admissions and confirmed that the five deaths were mainly from patients presenting late with extreme dehydration.

“We have activated a statewide heightened surveillance and response,” he said.

“The ministry of health, the 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.”

The commissioner noted that following recent rainfalls, Lagos 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.

He explained that cholera is a highly contagious disease that causes severe diarrhea and can be life-threatening.

He added that the disease poses a significant health burden in areas with poor water treatment and sanitation and could impact Lagos state.

“Cholera spreads through direct transmission by eating or drinking contaminated food or water and indirect transmission due to poor sanitation and a lack of handwashing,” the commissioner said.

“Symptoms of cholera include severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, rapid dehydration, muscle cramps, fever, and sometimes collapse.”

Abayomi said treatment options for cholera include rehydration using oral rehydration salts (ORS) for mild to moderate dehydration.

“Intravenous fluid is used for severely dehydrated patients and is given only in medical facilities and supervised by medical personnel,” he added.

“To prevent cholera, citizens are urged to ensure safe drinking water by boiling, chlorinating, or using bottled water, and avoiding ice products made from untreated water. Maintaining proper sanitation by using toilets, safely disposing of feces, and avoiding open defecation is crucial.

“Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands with soap and clean water regularly, especially before eating, preparing food, and after using the toilet, is essential, as is following food safety guidelines.”

He urged citizens to rely on the Lagos state ministry of health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and accredited local health facilities for guidance, advice, and updates on prevention, treatment, and management.

He added that suspected cases can be reported via the following emergency hotlines: 08023169485, 08137412348, or by using helplines 767 or 112.