By Felix Kuyinu
No fewer than five persons have been declared dead as a result of a cholera outbreak in Lagos.
The State’s Commisioner For Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, stated that another 60 persons have been diagnosed of the disease and hospitalized.
Abayomi urged the residents to exercise extreme caution, particularly in Kosofe, Ikorodu, Eti-Osa and Lagos Island areas.
He hinted on symptoms of the disease as dehydration which has been diagnosed on patients at hospitals.
The Commisioner enjoined citizens to regularly ensure safe drinking water by boiling, chlorinating, or using bottled water, alongside avoiding ice products made from untreated water.
In addition, Abayomi stressed on regular wash of hands with soap and water after toilet use. He stressed on safe disposal of faeces, and avoidance of open defecation.
According to him, the state has activated a statewide heightened surveillance and response. According to him, the state’s Ministry of Health 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.
Reports garnered that as at April 28, 2024, Nigeria reported 815 suspected cholera cases and 14 deaths across 25 state.
