Lagos State Confirms Cholera Outbreak Amid Rising Cases Nationwide

Lagos State Health Commissioner, Prof. Akin Abayomi, confirmed that recent laboratory tests have identified cholera as the cause of a disease outbreak in the state. The identified strain is highly aggressive and contagious, posing a significant risk of widespread dissemination. This announcement was made on Prof. Abayomi's Instagram page on Monday, providing an update on the situation.

Cholera, a disease transmitted through contaminated food and water, can cause severe acute watery diarrhea and can be fatal within hours if untreated. It is endemic and seasonal in Nigeria, with occurrences typically peaking during the rainy season, particularly in areas with poor sanitation. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has warned of increasing cholera cases as the rainy season progresses, noting that 10 states, including Lagos, account for 90% of the current outbreak.

Globally, cholera cases have surged, with the World Health Organisation reporting 473,000 cases in 2022, double the number from 2021, and estimating an increase to 700,000 cases in 2023. The WHO's latest data indicated that 145,900 cases and 1,766 deaths have been reported from 24 countries, with Africa experiencing the highest numbers.

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In Lagos, the outbreak's epicenter is Lagos Island with 106 cases, followed by Kosofe with 49 cases, Eti-Osa with 38, and Lagos Mainland with 30. Prof. Abayomi noted that community-based case finding and contact tracing have helped peak and now decline the number of cases. Despite this, 350 suspected cases have been reported across multiple local government areas, with 17 confirmed cases and 15 deaths due to severe dehydration from delayed presentation.

Support from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, WHO, UNICEF, and local NGOs is aiding the state's response efforts. Public health campaigns have been intensified, especially with the upcoming Sallah celebrations, to prevent a resurgence of cases from gatherings and catering services. Suspected cholera cases are receiving free treatment at public health facilities in line with established response protocols.