Cholera Outbreak: Submit Water Samples From Your Homes For Testing, Lagos Urges Residents

In response to the recent outbreak of cholera in some parts of Lagos State, the state government has urged residents to submit water samples from their homes for testing.

This is as the Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) has commenced an extensive statewide water sampling in the state.

According to the state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, 350 suspected cases of cholera have been reported in 29 wards across multiple LGAs in Lagos, “with 17 confirmed cases and 15 fatalities attributed to severe dehydration caused by delayed presentation”.

LWC said the commencement of extensive water sampling and quality monitoring campaign across the state is aimed at assessing the safety and potability of water from various sources.

The agency expressed concerned about the outbreak of the disease, particularly in Lekki and Victoria Island areas.

“Following the recent cholera outbreak in some parts of Lagos, the Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) has initiated comprehensive measures to safeguard public health and ensure access to safe drinking water across the state.

“The LWC has commenced an extensive water sampling and quality monitoring campaign throughout the State. This proactive initiative aims to assess the safety and potability of water from various sources, thereby identifying potential health risks associated with contamination.

“We are deeply concerned about the recent cholera outbreak in some parts of Lagos State particularly the Lekki and Victoria island Areas.

“The LWC urges the public to refrain from consuming water from unreliable or untreated sources. Residents are encouraged to bring water samples from their homes or public spaces for testing by our qualified teams at the Lagos Water Corporation Headquarters, ljora,” LWC said in a statement.

Cholera is a highly contagious disease that causes severe diarrhea and can be life-threatening. It poses a significant health burden in areas with poor water treatment and sanitation.

LWC informed that it would be monitoring water consumption across the state. This is to quickly identify and stem the outbreak.

Additionally, the LWC water quality monitoring team will be actively monitoring water consumption across the state to swiftly identify and control the outbreak.

“According to the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the primary cause of the cholera outbreak has been linked to the consumption of contaminated water and inadequate sanitation. It is imperative that every individual takes responsibility for ensuring their water is safe for consumption.”

“The Lagos Water Corporation remains committed to providing safe and clean drinking water to all residents of Lagos State. We urge the public to cooperate with our teams and follow precautionary measures to prevent further spread of the bacterial disease,” the agency added.