The Special Adviser on Health to the Lagos State Governor, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi on Friday 21 June 2024 while briefing correspondents in Ikeja, stated that the death toll from the Cholera outbreak has risen from 15 to 21. Ogunyemi while fielding questions from reporters stated that Lagos has a total of 401 reported cases in 15 hospitals spread all across the state.
The number of reported cases following the outbreak seems to be fast on the rise. Recall Dr. Ogunyemi on Thursday 20 June 2024, during her report on the outbreak following a meeting with representatives of the Lagos State Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC) stated 401 as the total number of reported cases and 21 deaths. Umpirenews.com can confirm that barely 24 hours after filing the report, the number has increased from 401 to 417 and the total number of deaths has hit 24, as against the 21 previously reported.
She stated the increase in cases was expected after the Ileya celebrations due to the crowded festivities.
The Special Adviser on Public Health to the Lagos State Governor offered reassurance that the state government’s actions and surveillance programs have effectively mitigated the spread of suspected cases, particularly in local government areas that previously saw the highest impact. She stressed that the state government is implementing a range of measures, including targeted public health campaigns and close monitoring by the Ministry of Health and other related agencies, to contain the situation and prevent further spread.
In order to determine the source of pollution, the Ministry of Health continues to collect samples from food, drink, and water sources in cooperation with the State Ministry of Environment and its organization, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA). To tackle the issue head-on, the Lagos State government has also increased community surveillance efforts, especially in the impacted local government districts.