Death toll increases to 21 with 401 people infected as Cholera Outbreak worsens in Lagos

The Lagos State Government says deaths from the cholera outbreak in the state have increased from 15 to 21, while infections also increased from 350 to 401 infections.

Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, said the rise in cases was anticipated following the Eid-el Kabir celebration, in which large gatherings occurred.

Ogunyemi made the disclosure in an update released by Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, Director of Public Affairs in the state’s Ministry of Health on Thursday, June 20, in Lagos.

She said the cases increased to 401 across Lagos, with Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti Osa, recording the highest numbers of infections.

Ogunyemi, however, noted that suspected cases are subsiding across local government areas (LGAs), particularly in previously affected LGAs due to the state government’s interventions and surveillance efforts.

She gave the update on the outbreak after meeting with members of the Lagos State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC).

She said: "The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Environment and its agency, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), continues to collect samples of water sources, food, and beverages to identify the source of contamination.

"We have also intensified our surveillance activities in communities, particularly in affected local government areas, to address the situation head-on.

"We are also working with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, as well as the Ministry of Tertiary Education to ensure all precautions are taken in our schools to protect children and scholars as they return.

"Residents must, however, remain vigilant, practice good hand hygiene, and participate in community sanitation activities to stop the spread of cholera."

Ogunyemi advised citizens to seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms such as watery diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, general malaise and fever.

She added that cholera treatment was provided free of charge at all public health facilities.

Ogunyemi reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring that residents of Lagos receive quality and affordable health care.

The Special Adviser commended local, national, and international partners—including UNICEF, WHO, NCDC, NIMR, Red Cross, and others—for their support in combating the outbreak.