No fewer than 13 persons have lost their lives and 236 others hospitalised following a cholera outbreak that has hit six local government areas in Niger State.
The state government, expressing concern over the situation, has set up treatment and isolation centres in the affected areas, including an isolation centre at the old wing of the late Senator Idris Ibrahim Kuta Primary Healthcare Centre along Old Airport Road, Minna.
Afrocover learnt that the outbreak, which was first reported on Sunday in Shiroro Local Government Area, had spread to five other councils with more cases recorded by Wednesday.
A healthcare official, who pleaded anonymity with the Punch, listed the affected local governments as Chanchaga, Bosso, Shiroro, Magama, Bida and Munya.
The source said, “Over 239 people have been afflicted by the disease and are currently receiving treatment in different primary healthcare centres in the affected areas.”
The state Commissioner of Primary Healthcare, Ibrahim Dangana, who confirmed the development, said the government had swung into action using a multi-sectoral approach to contain the spread.
“We have set up treatment and isolation centres to mitigate the epidemic, and we are also embarking on aggressive sensitisation exercises.
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“The campaign is now targeting religious bodies like the Christian Association of Nigeria and Islamic bodies and the entire eight emirates of the state,” he said.
Dangana commended Governor Mohammed Bago for his prompt response and appreciated donor agencies for supporting the state’s efforts.
Also speaking, the Director of Public Health in the Ministry of Tertiary Healthcare, Ibrahim Idris, noted that Chanchaga, Bosso and Shiroro were the worst-hit councils.
