“Lab Test Detects Highly Virulent, Contagious Cholera Variant”
The Lagos State Health Commissioner, Prof Akin Abayomi, has disclosed the presence of highly infectious and contagious cholera strain detected in laboratory tests.
He shared this information via his Instagram handle @profakinabayomi on Monday while providing an update on the cholera epidemic in the state.
Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease that causes severe watery diarrhea, It is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholera (V. cholera). It can lead to dehydration and even death within hours if left untreated. Fatality rates are high especially among children and infants.
In Nigeria, cholera is an endemic and seasonal disease, occurring each year predominantly during the rainy season and more frequently in regions with inadequate sanitation.
Based on this, medical experts warned that it may spread to more communities and states during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration if necessary measures are not quickly taken.
They noted that this is due to an increase in travel over the holiday season.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention also warned the public of the increasing trend of cholera cases as the rainy season intensifies.
The centre noted that the 10 states contributing 90 per cent to the burden of the current cholera outbreak include Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos states.
There were 473,000 cholera cases reported to the World Health Organisation in 2022 – double the number from 2021. A further increase of cases by 700,000 was estimated in 2023.
The latest data from the WHO showed that a cumulative total of 145,900 cholera cases and 1,766 deaths were reported from 24 countries across five WHO regions, with Africa recording the highest numbers, followed by the Eastern Mediterranean Region, the Region of the Americas, the South-East Asia Region, and the European Region.
Meanwhile, Abayomi noted that through community-based case finding and contact tracing, the number of cases has peaked and is now declining.
The geographical distribution of suspected cases by Local Government Area showed that Lagos Island is the epicentre of the outbreak with 106 cases; followed by Kosofe 49; Eti-Osa 38; Lagos mainland 30; Ojo 17; Ikorodu 16; Kosofe 16; Shomolu 11.
Others are Surulere -nine; Apapa -eight; Mushin -eight; Ifako Ijaiye -eight; Mushin -five; Alimosho -four; Ajeromi Ifelodun -four; Oshodi-Isolo -three; Ikeja three; Ibeju Lekki -two; Badagry -two; Amuwo-Odofin -one.
He, however, disclosed that there are 17 confirmed cases out of 350 suspected cases and 15 deaths so far.
Abayomi said, “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 also said 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 resurgence.
“Suspected cases are receiving free treatment at our public health facilities, in line with public health response protocols,” he added.
