No fewer than five people have been reported dead in Lagos following suspected outbreak of cholera disease.
The outbreak has also resulted in 60 hospital admissions cross the state.
The state commissioner for health, Akin Abayomi, said cases of severe gastroenteritis had been reported in communities around Eti Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, and Kosofe LGAs.
He said those dead were mainly patients that presented late with extreme dehydration.
He said to arrest the situation, a statewide heightened surveillance and response had been activated
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.
To prevent cholera, he urged citizens to ensure safe drinking water by boiling, chlorinating, or using bottled water, and avoiding ice products made from untreated water and practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands with soap and clean water regularly, especially before eating, preparing food, and after using the toilet.
