The Lagos State Ministry of Health has announced a significant increase in cholera cases, with 29 deaths and 579 reported cases since the outbreak began two weeks ago.

During a press briefing on Monday, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, explained that the high death rate is attributed to patients being brought to the hospital too late or arriving already deceased.

“Over the past two weeks, we have recorded 29 deaths and 579 suspected cholera cases. The fatalities are mainly due to late presentation, which hampers our ability to resuscitate them,” Abayomi stated.

He assured that no cases have been reported in schools, easing concerns about the outbreak spreading among students.

Abayomi had previously issued a statement on June 11, 2024, warning of a surge in severe gastroenteritis cases. The commissioner noted that these cases have been predominantly reported in communities within Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, and Kosofe Local Government Areas of the state.

The Lagos State Ministry of Health continues to monitor the situation closely and implement measures to control the outbreak and prevent further spread.