The state health commissioner, Prof. Akin Abayomi, who made this known on Monday, raised an alarm that laboratory tests have confirmed that the identified strain of the Cholera is highly aggressive and contagious, with potential for widespread dissemination

The Lagos State government says it has recorded 15 deaths, 350 suspected cases and 17 confirmed cases from the Cholera outbreak in the state.

The state health commissioner, Prof. Akin Abayomi, who made this known on Monday, raised an alarm that laboratory tests have confirmed that the identified strain of the Cholera is highly aggressive and contagious, with potential for widespread dissemination.

On the epidemiological trends of the disease, the commissioner said that through community-based case finding and contact tracing, “We have observed that the number of cases has peaked and is now significantly declining, as illustrated in the accompanying graph.”

He said, “350 suspected cases of cholera were reported in 29 wards across multiple local government areas in Lagos State with 17 confirmed cases and 15 fatalities attributed to severe dehydration caused by delayed presentation.”

On the geographical distribution of the disease, Abayomi said that Lagos Island has been identified as the epicentre of the outbreak with 106 cases followed by Kosofe with 49 cases.

Other areas are Eti-Osa with 38 cases, Lagos MainLand with 30 cases, Ojo with 17 cases, Kosofe with 16 cases, Ikorodu with 16 cases, Shomolu with 11 cases, Surulere with nine cases, Арара with eight cases, Mushin with eight cases, Ifako ljaiye with eight cases, Mushin with five cases, Alimosho with four cases, Ajeromi Ifelodun with four cases, Oshodi-Isolo with three cases, Ikeja with three cases, Ibeju Lekki with two cases, Badagry with two cases and Amuwo-Odofin with one case.

Abayomi said, “We are receiving support from the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and International partners, including the World Health Organisation Nigeria and UNICEF Nigeria.

“Local Non-Governmental organizations are actively involved in raising awareness and conducting community-based surveillance efforts.”

On public health campaigns, Abayomi said, “In light of the upcoming Ileya celebrations and the associated risks of transmission from gatherings and catering services, we are intensifying our public health prevention campaigns to prevent a resurgence.”

He added that suspected cases were receiving free treatment at the state’s public health facilities, in line with public health response protocols.