The ongoing cholera outbreak has claimed 37 lives and affected 30 states, including Lagos and Ogun, where the situation remains particularly severe.
Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, announced on Thursday that the state had recorded an additional six cholera deaths, raising the total to 21 from the previously reported 15. The statement from the Director of Public Affairs in the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, also confirmed that cholera cases in Lagos have surged to 401.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, reported one death and 14 cases in Ogun state. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) highlighted that from January 1 to June 11, 2024, over 1,141 suspected and 65 confirmed cholera cases, resulting in more than 30 deaths, had been reported across 96 local government areas in 30 states.
Health experts warned that the reopening of schools post-Sallah holidays could exacerbate the spread of the disease. In response, the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) convened an emergency meeting in Lagos.
Understanding Cholera
Cholera is a food and waterborne disease caused by ingesting the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, typically found in contaminated water and food. The disease can cause severe acute watery diarrhea, and without treatment, it can be fatal within hours.
In Nigeria, cholera is endemic and seasonal, mostly occurring during the rainy season, particularly in areas with poor sanitation.
Lagos Situation Report
Ogunyemi’s latest update reveals that Lagos Island remains the epicenter of the outbreak. The areas of Kosofe and Eti Osa also show high infection rates. The state’s proactive measures and surveillance efforts have begun to reduce suspected cases across various local government areas.
“The increase in cases was anticipated following the Sallah festivities due to large gatherings,” Ogunyemi stated. She urged citizens to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as watery diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, general malaise, and fever, noting that cholera treatment is free at all public health facilities.
Ogun State Update
In Ogun State, a 62-year-old woman in Ijebu-Igbo died of cholera, and five others are hospitalized. Dr. Coker confirmed that 14 cases had been reported in Ota, Abeokuta South, Obafemi Owode, and Ijebu North. She urged residents to maintain good hygiene and avoid drinking water from unknown sources.
Federal Response: Water Quality Analysis
The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has initiated a comprehensive water quality analysis. Alhaji Aliyu Shinkafi, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, stated that teams from National Water Quality Reference Laboratories in Lagos, Enugu, and Sokoto are collecting water samples to test for Vibrio cholerae. The ministry is also collaborating with State Technical Working Groups and Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agencies to address the outbreak effectively.
Shinkafi emphasized the importance of boiling or treating drinking water before consumption as a preventive measure.
Regional Preparedness
Cross River State has activated its emergency response team, although no recent cholera cases have been reported. The last recorded outbreak in the state was between February and April 2024, resulting in one death.
Similarly, the Osun State Government has intensified public sensitization efforts to prevent an outbreak. Commissioner for Health, Jola Akintola, highlighted that no cases had been reported, and outreach programs are educating the public on preventive measures.
Call for Comprehensive Solutions
Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) stressed the need for addressing underlying issues to curb the spread of cholera. CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, emphasized the importance of managing public water and sanitation systems effectively to prevent future outbreaks.
“Cholera is an infectious disease spread through unsafe water and contaminated food. Effective management of public water and sanitation systems is crucial to controlling the disease,” Oluwafemi stated.
This concerted effort among federal, state, and non-governmental organizations aims to tackle the cholera outbreak and prevent future occurrences through improved public health infrastructure and awareness campaigns.
