The Lagos State government has on Monday, June 24, reported an increase in the number of fatalities in the current cholera outbreak, bringing the total deaths to 29.
These casualties were among 579 patients treated across various healthcare facilities in the state, including general hospitals, private hospitals, and primary healthcare centers.
Speaking at a press briefing held at Alausa, Ikeja, State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, highlighted that many deaths resulted from patients arriving at hospitals too late to receive effective rehydration, with some already deceased upon arrival.
Despite these challenges, Abayomi reassured the public that the state government, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as Incident Commander, and himself as Deputy Incident Commander, was effectively managing the situation, drawing on lessons learned from previous health crises like COVID-19.
He emphasised that treatment for cholera patients remained free to curb the spread of the disease.
Regarding the outbreak’s origins, Abayomi stated that investigations were ongoing to pinpoint the exact source of the outbreak.
He said, “The treatment is free in our hospital and healthcare facilities to slow down the transmission. We go out also to search for the patients and those that the patients might have been in contact with.
“As at June 22, 2024, the number has tried to come down. As at yesterday, it was only one reported case.”
Abayomi expressed satisfaction that there had been no reported cases of the disease within the state’s school premises since reopening.
He highlighted the adoption of a collaborative approach involving multiple agencies to combat the issue.
However, he urged residents to maintain practices such as safe drinking water, thorough cooking of food before consumption, and ensuring clean environments.
Abayomi emphasised the importance of regular handwashing to minimize the spread of the disease.