The Lagos State government announced yesterday that the current strain of cholera in the region is highly aggressive and contagious.
So far, Lagos has reported 17 confirmed cases of cholera, resulting in 15 fatalities. Laboratory investigations have identified the strain as cholera sub-type O-1, which is known for causing more severe diseases.
In a recent post on X, Commissioner for Health Professor Akin Abayomi stated, “The identified strain is highly aggressive and contagious, with potential for widespread dissemination.” He noted that community-based case finding and contact tracing indicate that the number of cases has peaked and is now significantly declining.
Abayomi detailed the geographical distribution of suspected cases by Local Government Area, with Lagos Island being the epicenter of the outbreak, recording 106 cases. Other affected areas include Kosofe with 49 cases, Eti-Osa with 38, Lagos Mainland with 30, Ojo with 17, Ikorodu with 16, Shomolu with 11, Surulere with nine, Apapa with eight, Mushin with eight, Ifako Ijaiye with eight, Alimosho with four, Ajeromi-Ifelodun with four, Oshodi-Isolo with three, Ikeja with three, Ibeju Lekki with two, Badagry with two, and Amuwo-Odofin with one.
The response to the outbreak includes support from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and international partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO) Nigeria and UNICEF Nigeria. Local non-governmental organizations are also actively raising awareness and conducting community-based surveillance efforts.
In a related development, the Ondo State government has activated its surveillance system to respond immediately to any cholera cases. Health Commissioner Dr. Banji Ajaka noted that earlier this year, two cases were reported in the Okitipupa council area and were swiftly managed by the state’s Rapid Response team. The surveillance team, bolstered by the COPREP programme, has trained community informants and contact tracers to be on alert for cholera outbreaks.
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