A cholera outbreak has hit 30 states in Nigeria, including Lagos and Ogun, resulting in at least 37 deaths. Lagos State has recorded 21 deaths and 401 cases, while Ogun State has recorded one death and 14 cases.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reported that over 1,141 suspected and 65 confirmed cases of cholera had been reported from 96 local government areas in 30 states, resulting in over 30 deaths, from January 1 to June 11, 2024.
The cholera outbreak is believed to be fueled by the resumption of schools after the Sallah holiday, and the World Health Organisation, UNICEF, and the International Organisation for Migration held an emergency meeting in Lagos to address the crisis.
Cholera is a food and water-borne disease caused by ingesting the bacteria Vibrio cholerae in contaminated water and food. It can cause severe acute watery diarrhoea and can kill within hours if left untreated.
Lagos Island remains the epicentre of the outbreak, with Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti Osa recording the highest numbers of cases. The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, stated that the rise in cases was anticipated following the Sallah festivities, but suspected cases are subsiding due to government interventions and surveillance efforts.
The government is maintaining rigorous surveillance and monitoring of the situation and implementing programmes to curb the spread. Citizens are advised to seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms such as watery diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, general malaise, and fever.
Cholera treatment is provided free of charge at all public health facilities, and the government is working to ensure that the outbreak is brought under control.
