.. Death Toll Hits 29 in Lagos
The Lagos State Government has announced the adoption of the One Health Strategy in response to the recent cholera outbreak in the state.
Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, disclosed this Monday, at a press briefing on the cholera outbreak situation in Lagos. He explained that the One Health approach involves a collaborative response among relevant government agencies, including the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in Health, Environment, Agriculture, Physical Planning, Education, and others, to promote a unified effort in preventing and curbing the spread of the disease in Lagos communities.
Abayomi emphasized that the collaborative efforts between relevant agencies are a positive step towards preventing and controlling further spread of cholera in the state stressing that the State government remains committed to protecting the health and well-being of its citizens.
In his words: “As part of activities to combat the spread of cholera and address the spike in cases, the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) was activated. The activities of the PHEOC involve the adoption of the One Health Approach through relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of the Lagos State Government. Officials from the Ministries of Health, Environmental and Water Resources, Education, Information and Strategy, Physical Planning, and Agriculture are working together under the PHEOC to curb the outbreak and prevent future occurrences.”
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC on Monday declared a national cholera emergency centre, following the outbreak of the disease in the country.
Our Correspondent, Korede Abdullah reports that the NCDC added that 53 deaths and 1,528 suspected cholera cases were recorded across 31 states and 107 local government areas, with a case fatality rate of 3.5 per cent since the beginning of 2024.
Lagos State government yesterday revealed that the cholera death toll had risen to 29 from the previously reported 24 recorded last week, adding that the total number of suspected cases had risen to 579 in the state.
While speaking, Director-General of NCDC, Dr Jide Idris gave an update on the cholera epidemiological situation in Nigeria, expressed fears that the situation might be compounded as the rainy season intensifies.
As part of ongoing prevention and response efforts at the national and sub-national levels, Idris assured that a National Cholera Emergency Operation Centre has been activated.
“Cholera, a highly contagious food and water-borne disease, has in the recent past reared its devastating head in several states across our country. It is caused by the ingestion of the bacterium, Vibrio cholerae in contaminated water and food.
“As of 24th June 2024, 1,528 suspected cases and 53 deaths have been recorded across 31 states and 107 local government areas with a case fatality rate of 3.5 per cent since the beginning of the year.
“These fatalities are not just statistics but a significant loss of a loved family member, a spouse, a parent, and often a seasoned healthcare worker and team member. This situation may be compounded as the rainy season intensifies,” Idris said.
He expressed regrets that the country is facing another public health emergency as it was just coming out of the Lassa fever and meningitis outbreaks. He urged Nigerians to take necessary precautionary measures in order to prevent further spread of the disease.
The Commissioner assured residents that the outbreak is well under control, noting that the State has in place an incident command structure led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and an effective Public Health Emergency Operation Center comprising multiple pillars representing different ministries, agencies, and relevant stakeholders.
Speaking on the disease’s epidemiology, pattern, and trends, Prof. Akin Abayomi disclosed that the State has recorded 579 suspected cases of cholera, 43 laboratory-confirmed cases, and 29 cholera-related deaths from suspected cases.
While stressing the need for early case presentation at health facilities, the Commissioner stated that some of the reported cholera-related deaths were due to late-stage case presentations and severe dehydration.
“We have unfortunately experienced 29 deaths. Most of these deaths were caused by patients presenting very late, at a stage when we could not resuscitate them due to severe dehydration. Some patients were actually brought in dead,” he said.
Abayomi noted that the State Government has not concluded investigations into the possible source of the outbreak. He stressed that the investigation, which is still ongoing, has yet to ascertain the cause of cholera in the State.
“So far, we have not been able to identify a source yet, but investigations are continuing. We want to see if we can identify a particular source,” he said.
While restating the commitment of the present administration to curb the spread of the outbreak, the Commissioner urged residents to support government efforts by adhering to hygiene practices: drink safe water, cook food thoroughly, maintain personal hygiene, and utilize the free treatment for cholera at government health facilities.
He noted that a key strategy adopted by the state government in curbing the spread of the disease is the offer of free treatment to suspected cases to attract patients to healthcare facilities without worrying about the cost of treatment.
Speaking in the same vein, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, stated that the Lagos State government is implementing strategies to eradicate open defecation, adding that plans are underway to provide more public toilets across the state to stop open defecation.
“We have all kinds of people trooping into Lagos daily, and open defecation is very common as a result. Very soon, we will see brand new public toilets all around Lagos,” he said.
On his part, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, said preventive measures were being taken in schools to sensitize stakeholders in both private and public schools in the state.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, urged community members to support the state government, stressing that the fight against the disease is a collective responsibility. She assured that the government will not relent in ensuring that Lagosians live healthy and productive lives.
