Lagos State Health Commissioner, Prof. Akin Abayomi, announced that laboratory tests have confirmed the recent disease outbreak in the state is due to cholera. The identified strain is highly aggressive and contagious, with significant potential for widespread dissemination.
Abayomi provided this update on his Instagram page, @profakinabayomi, on Monday. He explained that cholera, a food and water-borne disease caused by ingesting Vibrio cholerae bacteria, can cause severe acute watery diarrhea and, in severe cases, can kill within hours if untreated.
In Nigeria, cholera is endemic and seasonal, occurring mostly during the rainy season in areas with poor sanitation. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has warned of an increasing trend of cholera cases as the rainy season intensifies. The 10 states contributing 90 percent to the current outbreak include Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 473,000 cholera cases were reported globally in 2022, double the number from 2021, with an estimated further increase of 700,000 cases in 2023. The latest WHO data showed that 145,900 cholera cases and 1,766 deaths were reported across 24 countries, with Africa recording the highest numbers.
Abayomi noted that through community-based case finding and contact tracing, the number of cases in Lagos has peaked and is now declining. The geographical distribution of suspected cases by Local Government Area showed Lagos Island as the epicenter with 106 cases, followed by Kosofe with 49, Eti-Osa with 38, and Lagos Mainland with 30. Other areas affected include Ojo (17 cases), Ikorodu (16), Shomolu (11), Surulere (9), Apapa (8), Mushin (8), Ifako Ijaiye (8), Alimosho (4), Ajeromi Ifelodun (4), Oshodi-Isolo (3), Ikeja (3), Ibeju Lekki (2), Badagry (2), and Amuwo-Odofin (1).
Abayomi disclosed that there are 17 confirmed cases out of 350 suspected cases and 15 deaths so far. He said, “350 suspected cases of cholera were reported in 29 wards across multiple LGAs in Lagos State with 17 confirmed cases and 15 fatalities attributed to severe dehydration caused by delayed presentation.”
He added, “We are receiving support from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and international partners, including the WHO and United Nations Children’s Fund. Local Non-Governmental Organisations are actively raising awareness and conducting community-based surveillance efforts.”
The state is intensifying its public health campaigns in light of the upcoming Sallah celebrations and the associated transmission risks from gatherings and catering services to prevent a resurgence. “Suspected cases are receiving free treatment at our public health facilities, in line with public health response protocols,” Abayomi said.
