LAGOS—The Lagos State government has confirmed that a particularly aggressive and contagious strain of cholera, identified as sub-type O-1, is responsible for the recent outbreak in the state. Health Commissioner Professor Akin Abayomi shared these findings in a detailed statement, noting the severe nature of this cholera subtype.
To date, Lagos has reported 17 confirmed cases and 15 fatalities. Laboratory investigations confirmed the strain’s identity, with Professor Abayomi describing it as “highly aggressive and contagious, with potential for widespread dissemination.”
Despite the severity of the outbreak, Professor Abayomi indicated that the situation is improving. “Through community-based case finding and contact tracing, we have observed that the number of cases has peaked and is now significantly declining,” he said.
The outbreak has primarily affected Lagos Island, which has recorded 106 cases. Other affected areas include Kosofe (49 cases), Eti-Osa (38), Lagos Mainland (30), Ojo (17), 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).
The state government is collaborating with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF, among other international partners, to manage the outbreak. Local non-governmental organizations are also playing a crucial role in raising awareness and conducting community-based surveillance efforts.
Ondo State Activates Cholera Surveillance
In response to the cholera threat, the Ondo State government has activated its surveillance system for immediate response. Health Commissioner Dr. Banji Ajaka reported that earlier in the year, two cases in the Okitipupa council area were effectively contained by the state’s Rapid Response Team.
Dr. Ajaka emphasized that the state’s surveillance team, bolstered by the COPREP program, includes community informants and contact tracers who have been trained and placed on stipends for eight months. “These informants will now be deployed for active case search in preparation for any potential cholera outbreak,” he stated.
Both Lagos and Ondo state governments are taking proactive measures to control and prevent the spread of cholera, prioritizing public health and safety in their efforts.
