Cholera outbreak reported in Six LGAs of Niger State: 13 lives lost, 236 hospitalized
By: Tunde Bolaji, Minna.
Residents of six local government areas of Niger State are now at risk following a cholera outbreak that has claimed 13 lives and led to the hospitalization of about 236 people.
Reports from the affected areas revealed that the outbreak was first reported on Sunday in Shiroro Local Government Area of the state.
It was further gathered that the waterborne disease has claimed over 13 lives as of Wednesday across at least four local government areas.
Sources disclosed that the worst-hit local government areas include Minna, Bosso, Shiroro, Magama, Bida, and Munya.
Healthcare officials noted that over 239 individuals have been afflicted by the disease and are currently receiving medical attention at various primary healthcare centers in the affected areas.
In response, the state government has opened an isolation center at the old wing of the late Senator Idris Ibrahim Kuta Primary Healthcare Centre along Old Airport Road, Minna.
This development was confirmed by the Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr. Ibrahim Ahmed Dangana, who said the state government has swung into action by adopting a multi-sectoral approach to halt the spread of the epidemic in the six local government areas.
The Commissioner disclosed that treatment and isolation centers have been set up in each of the affected local governments with a view to containing the spread.
“We have set up treatment and isolation centers to mitigate the outbreak and are also embarking on aggressive sensitization exercises.
“The campaign is now targeting religious bodies like CAN and Islamic organizations, as well as the entire eight emirates of the state.”
The Commissioner commended Governor Mohammed Umar Bago for his commitment, and all donor agencies for coming to the aid of the state.
Corroborating the Commissioner, the Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Tertiary Healthcare, Dr. Ibrahim Idris, said Chanchaga (Minna), Bosso, and Shiroro Local Government Areas are the worst-hit councils.
