About five persons have been confirmed dead while 60 others have been injured as a cholera outbreak struck  Lagos State.

The state’s Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, confirmed the outbreak on Tuesday.

He urged residents to take immediate action to prevent further spread.

The affected areas include Eti Osa,  Lagos Island, Ikorodu, and Kosofe Local Government Areas, where cases of severe gastroenteritis have been reported.

“We have activated a statewide heightened surveillance and response. The Ministry of Health Directorate of Environmental Health and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) have been alerted to investigate a possible water contamination source in the Lekki Victoria Island axis.

“We suspect a possible cholera outbreak; however, samples have been taken for confirmation. As of April 28, 2024, Nigeria reported 815 suspected cholera cases and 14 deaths across 25 states,” he said.

Cholera is a highly contagious disease that causes severe diarrhoea and can be life-threatening, especially in areas with poor water treatment and sanitation.

“To prevent cholera, citizens are urged to ensure safe drinking water by boiling, chlorinating, or using bottled water, and avoiding ice products made from untreated water. Maintaining proper sanitation by using toilets, safely disposing of faeces, and avoiding open defecation is crucial.

Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands with soap and clean water regularly, especially before eating, preparing food, and after using the toilet, is essential and following food safety guidelines,” he advised.