Lagos cholera death toll hits 21, cases rise to 401

• Published On: 20 June 2024 at 13:35

According to Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Advisor on Health to the Governor of Lagos State, there are now 401 suspected cases of cholera in the state, with 21 fatalities.

According to the statement, Kosofe, Eti Osa, and Lagos Island reported the largest numbers.

This was revealed in a statement released on Thursday and signed by Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, the state ministry of health's director of public affairs.

Ingesting the bacteria Vibrio cholerae in tainted food or water can result in cholera, a food and waterborne illness. In addition to causing severe acute watery diarrhoea, cholera can be fatal in a matter of hours if treatment is not received.


Cholera is a seasonal and endemic disease in Nigeria that primarily strikes during the rainy season and more frequently in places with inadequate sanitation.

"The Special Advisor to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, revealed that the total number of cholera cases has increased to 401 across Lagos, with Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti Osa recording the highest numbers. This is in response to the previous update on the cholera outbreak in Lagos, which reported 350 suspected cases and 15 fatalities.

This was disclosed by Dr. Ogunyemi today during an update on the outbreak following a meeting with representatives of the Lagos State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre. The statement partially stated, "She also stated that the number of deaths has increased to 21, up six from the previously reported 15 fatalities."


Ogunyemi claims that the increase in cases was expected after the Ileya celebrations, which featured sizable crowds.

However, she pointed out that as a result of state government initiatives and surveillance efforts, suspected cases are declining throughout Local Government Areas, especially in LGAs that were previously impacted.

According to the Special Advisor, the government is carrying out organised plans and efforts to stop the spread as well as strict surveillance and monitoring of the situation through the Ministry of Health and other sister agencies.

To determine the source of contamination, the Ministry of Health continues to gather samples from food, drink, and water sources in cooperation with the State Ministry of Environment and its organisation, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency. To tackle the issue head-on, we have also increased our community surveillance efforts, especially in the impacted local government districts.

Additionally, we are collaborating with the Ministries of Basic and Secondary Education and Tertiary Education to make sure that all necessary safety measures are implemented in our schools to safeguard students and staff upon their return. To stop the spread of cholera, residents must, however, exercise caution, wash their hands frequently, and take part in community sanitation projects, the speaker said.

She emphasised that all public health facilities offer free cholera treatment and recommended residents to seek medical help right away if they develop symptoms including watery diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, general malaise, and fever.

The Special Advisor expressed gratitude on behalf of the State Government to local, national, and international partners—such as the World Health Organisation, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the Nigerian Institute for Medical Research, Red Cross, and others—for their assistance in containing the outbreak, while also noting that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is still dedicated to making sure that Lagos residents receive high-quality and reasonably priced healthcare.


"We also want to express our gratitude to the hardworking group of physicians, nurses, lab scientists, environmental health officers, Water Corporation officers, surveillance officers, heads of agencies, PHEOC members, and volunteers who are working nonstop to contain the outbreak and maintain safety in Lagos," stated Ogunyemi.