Authorities in Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling commercial capital, have issued a public health warning following the confirmation of a “highly aggressive and contagious” cholera strain that has resulted in 15 deaths and infected 350 individuals.
The densely populated city, home to approximately 25 million residents, has been on high alert since the outbreak was first detected.
The outbreak’s epicenter is in the affluent Lekki-Victoria Island neighborhood, where investigations into a potential water contamination source began a week ago.
Health officials have been working tirelessly to contain the spread, deploying community-based case finding and contact tracing measures.
Despite these efforts, at least 30 other regions across Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, have reported cases, pushing the national total to 882 as of June 2, according to data from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
Akin Abayomi, Lagos State Health Commissioner, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share the severity of the situation.
“The identified strain is highly aggressive and contagious, with potential for widespread dissemination,” he stated. “Through community-based case finding and contact tracing, we have observed that the number of cases has peaked.”
In response to the outbreak, Lagos has activated public health emergency operations at a hospital in the Yaba area. Test results have confirmed that the cholera strain is a subtype associated with more severe disease manifestations.
However, Abayomi reassured the public that “cases are now dramatically subsiding in previously affected local government areas.”
The outbreak comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with its worst inflation in 28 years, largely driven by soaring food costs.
This economic strain is exacerbating poverty and diminishing the purchasing power of the nation’s 231 million people, 60% of whom are classified as multi-dimensionally poor by the government.
Cholera, a waterborne disease, causes severe dehydration through vomiting and diarrhea and is treatable with prompt administration of oral rehydration solutions.
However, treatment is challenging in communities with poor general health and limited access to medical facilities.
Over the past two years, cholera outbreaks have impacted at least 16 African countries, fueled by severe storms and conflicts that have accelerated the spread of the disease.
The Nigerian government has issued a national alert as the country recently celebrated the Muslim Eid Adha holidays, prompting widespread travel and large gatherings that could further propagate the outbreak.
Health officials are urging citizens to exercise caution and adhere to public health guidelines to mitigate the spread of cholera.
Efforts to control the outbreak are ongoing, with health authorities focusing on improving water sanitation and hygiene practices across the affected regions.
The government has also called for increased public awareness campaigns to educate residents about the symptoms of cholera and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms arise.
As Lagos battles this public health crisis, the resilience and cooperation of its residents will be crucial in overcoming the aggressive cholera strain and preventing further loss of life.