The Lagos State Commissioner of Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, has announced that laboratory tests conducted on samples obtained from cases have verified the presence of a highly aggressive and easily transmissible strain of cholera with potential for extensive spread.
He communicated this information via his Instagram profile @profakinabayomi on Monday, providing an update on the cholera outbreak in the state.
Wakadaily discovered that , Cholera is a disease transmitted through contaminated food and water, caused by the ingestion of the Vibrio cholerae bacterium. It can lead to severe acute watery diarrhea, and in severe cases, death can occur within hours if not treated promptly.
In Nigeria, cholera is a recurring seasonal disease endemic to regions experiencing poor sanitation, with the rainy season particularly prone to outbreaks.
Wakadaily learnt that, Health experts cautioned that if precautions are not swiftly implemented, the cholera outbreak may escalate and extend to additional communities and states during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration due to increased travel activity during the holiday period.
Medical professionals suggested that festivities could exacerbate the situation, spreading infections to 30 states across the country.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention also issued a warning regarding the escalation of cholera cases as the rainy season progresses.
The NCDC highlighted that ten states, including Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos, account for 90% of the current cholera outbreak burden.
Global data from the World Health Organization revealed a significant increase in cholera cases, with 473,000 documented cases in 2022, doubling the figure from 2021. An additional surge of 700,000 cases was forecasted for 2023.
WHO statistics indicated a cumulative total of 145,900 cholera cases and 1,766 fatalities reported from 24 countries within five WHO regions, with Africa registering the highest numbers.
Prof Abayomi informed that through community-based case identification and contact tracing efforts, the number of cases has reached its peak and is now gradually decreasing.
Analyses of suspected cases by Local Government Area revealed that Lagos Island serves as the focal point of the outbreak, reporting 106 cases, followed by Kosofe with 49 cases, Eti-Osa with 38 cases, Lagos Mainland with 30 cases, Ojo with 17 cases, Ikorodu with 16 cases, among others.
Thus far, there have been 17 confirmed cases and 15 deaths out of 350 suspected cases in Lagos State – Wakadaily.
Abayomi mentioned, “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.
“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.”
He further stated the state is intensifying its public health campaigns in light of the 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,” he noted.
TAGS#
cholera outbreak in Nigeria
Lab Test Reveals Aggressive, Contagious Cholera Strain – Health Commissioner
The Lagos State Commissioner of Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, has announced that laboratory tests conducted on samples obtained from cases have verified the presence of a highly aggressive and easily transmissible strain of cholera with potential for extensive spread.
He communicated this information via his Instagram profile @profakinabayomi on Monday, providing an update on the cholera outbreak in the state.
Wakadaily discovered that , Cholera is a disease transmitted through contaminated food and water, caused by the ingestion of the Vibrio cholerae bacterium. It can lead to severe acute watery diarrhea, and in severe cases, death can occur within hours if not treated promptly.
In Nigeria, cholera is a recurring seasonal disease endemic to regions experiencing poor sanitation, with the rainy season particularly prone to outbreaks.
Wakadaily learnt that, Health experts cautioned that if precautions are not swiftly implemented, the cholera outbreak may escalate and extend to additional communities and states during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration due to increased travel activity during the holiday period.
Medical professionals suggested that festivities could exacerbate the situation, spreading infections to 30 states across the country.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention also issued a warning regarding the escalation of cholera cases as the rainy season progresses.
The NCDC highlighted that ten states, including Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos, account for 90% of the current cholera outbreak burden.
Global data from the World Health Organization revealed a significant increase in cholera cases, with 473,000 documented cases in 2022, doubling the figure from 2021. An additional surge of 700,000 cases was forecasted for 2023.
WHO statistics indicated a cumulative total of 145,900 cholera cases and 1,766 fatalities reported from 24 countries within five WHO regions, with Africa registering the highest numbers.
Prof Abayomi informed that through community-based case identification and contact tracing efforts, the number of cases has reached its peak and is now gradually decreasing.
Analyses of suspected cases by Local Government Area revealed that Lagos Island serves as the focal point of the outbreak, reporting 106 cases, followed by Kosofe with 49 cases, Eti-Osa with 38 cases, Lagos Mainland with 30 cases, Ojo with 17 cases, Ikorodu with 16 cases, among others.
Thus far, there have been 17 confirmed cases and 15 deaths out of 350 suspected cases in Lagos State – Wakadaily.
Abayomi mentioned, “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.
“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.”
He further stated the state is intensifying its public health campaigns in light of the 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,” he noted.
