Cholera outbreak claims 12 lives, 236 hospitalised in Niger

A cholera outbreak has been reported in parts of Niger State, claiming no fewer than 12 lives and leading to the hospitalisation of about 236 patients.

An investigation by Tribune Online revealed that the outbreak was first reported on Sunday in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

The waterborne disease had claimed over 12 lives as of Wednesday, affecting more than four local government areas of the state.

Sources disclosed that the worst-hit local government areas are Chanchaga (Minna), Bosso, Shiroro, Magama, New Bussa, and Munya Local Government Councils.

A healthcare official, who did not want his name in print, noted that over 239 people had been afflicted by the disease and are currently receiving medical attention across several primary healthcare centres in the affected councils.

Worried by the development, the state government has opened an isolation centre at the old wing of the Late Senator Idris Ibrahim Kuta Primary Healthcare Centre along Old Airport Road, Minna.

Confirming the development, the Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr Ibrahim Ahmed Dangana, said the state government had swung into action by setting up a multisectoral approach to halt the epidemic in the six local government areas.

The Commissioner disclosed that treatment and isolation centres had been set up in each of the affected local government areas with a view to arresting the spread.

“We have set up treatment and isolation centres to mitigate the outbreak and are also embarking on aggressive sensitisation exercises.

“The campaign is now targeting religious bodies like CAN and Islamic organisations, as well as the entire eight emirates of the state,” Dr Ibrahim Dangana stated.

The Commissioner, however, commended the State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, for his commitment, as well as all donor agencies for coming to the state’s aid.

Corroborating the Commissioner, the Director of Public Health, Ministry of Tertiary Health Care, Dr Ibrahim Idris, said Chanchaga (Minna), Bosso, and Shiroro Local Government Areas are the worst-hit councils.

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