By Milcah Tanimu

The ongoing cholera outbreak in Nigeria has resulted in at least 37 deaths across 30 states, including Lagos and Ogun. The Lagos State Ministry of Health reported an increase in fatalities, with six additional deaths raising the toll to 21 in the state. The cholera cases in Lagos have also surged to 401.

Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, confirmed these figures in a statement released on Thursday. The outbreak’s epicenter remains Lagos Island, with significant cases also reported in Kosofe and Eti Osa.

In Ogun State, Health Commissioner Dr. Tomi Coker disclosed that one death and 14 cases have been recorded. A 62-year-old woman from Ijebu-Igbo died after contracting the disease from her son, who is among the five currently hospitalized.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported over 1,141 suspected and more than 65 confirmed cases of cholera from January 1 to June 11, 2024. These cases have resulted in more than 30 deaths across 96 local government areas in 30 states.

The recent holiday gatherings during Sallah are believed to have contributed to the spike in cases. However, the Lagos State government, through rigorous surveillance and intervention efforts, has reported a decline in suspected cases across previously affected local government areas.

The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has initiated a water quality analysis in response to the outbreak. Permanent Secretary Alhaji Aliyu Shinkafi stated that teams from National Water Quality Reference Laboratories have been dispatched to collect water samples and investigate the presence of Vibrio cholerae in affected areas.

Additionally, state governments such as Cross River and Osun are ramping up preventive measures. Cross River has activated an emergency response team, and Osun has intensified community sensitization efforts, especially at motor parks and markets.

Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) urged state governments to address the underlying issues contributing to the spread of cholera. CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, emphasized the need for effective management of public water and sanitation systems to control the disease, which is typically spread through unsafe water and contaminated food.