The death toll from the cholera outbreak recorded in Lagos State has risen from 24 to 29.
Commissioner for Health in Lagos State, Dr. Akin Abayomi who disclosed this on Monday, said the state has similarly recorded 43 confirmed cases out of the 579 suspected ones.
Abayomi spoke during the Lagos State Multi-Agency Press Briefing and Update On The June 24 Cholera Outbreak, which was held on Monday.
So far, Abayomi said 30 patients suffering from Cholera disease are currently on admission, but assured that that number will continue to reduce considering that there haven’t been new cases.
Abayomi disclosed that the Lagos State Government is planning to initiate strategies to regulate food, water and drinks including beverages so as to ensure hygienic practices in their handling to prevent diseases.
According to him, the Lagos state’s surveillance is yet to tie the outbreak to a specific cause, although efforts are ongoing to unravel the sources of samples tested. “So far, we have not been able to identify a source yet, but investigations are ongoing.
“Moving forward, we are going to keep active surveillance around our water sources and beverages in Lagos state,” Abayomi stated.
Speaking on cholera vaccines, he said the government is currently not including the oral cholera vaccine in the routine national immunisation programme.
While acknowledging the effectiveness of the oral vaccine, the commissioner highlighted several factors for the decision. He said: Firstly, introducing a new vaccine requires careful consideration, especially in the current climate of “vaccine sensitivity.”
Secondly, the low incidence of cholera cases in the country doesn’t justify a nationwide rollout.
The commissioner emphasised that the situation would be different if cholera cases surged. In such a scenario, immediate action would be taken, including importing vaccines.
He added that presently, a limited supply of the oral cholera vaccine is available in the private sector but not through public health facilities.
He said the discussions should be at the federal level to determine whether to integrate this vaccine into the national immunisation programme.
He noted that late presentation fueled most of the deaths in the state, adding that “Most of these deaths were caused by patients presenting very late at a stage where we could not resuscitate them because they had severe rehydration and many patients were actually brought in dead.
“Out of all the samples we were able to collect, we were able to identify Vibrio cholera. So this is indeed a confirmed case of a cholera outbreak by a subtype O1 that is known to us to be very contagious and to cause significant sickness in those that contract it.”
Speaking on efforts to halt the spread of the disease, the Commissioner said the state government is in complete control, even as he disclosed that it is offering cholera treatment free of charge to any suspected cases. He therefore urged patients who are having symptoms of cholera to rush to any public hospitals for treatment.
The Commissioner however urged residents to consume safe water, practice good personal hygiene like hand washing, especially after using the toilet and before eating; washing of raw fruits and vegetables; cook food properly; thoroughly reheat leftover food before consuming; and avoid unregulated and unregistered Street beverages and ensure general environmental sanitation.