A cholera outbreak has claimed 13 lives and left 236 others hospitalised across six local government areas in Niger State.
The outbreak, which was first reported on Sunday in Shiroro Local Government Area, has now spread to Chanchaga, Bosso, Magama, Bida, and Munya councils, health officials have confirmed.
A medical worker, who spoke anonymously, said the affected persons are currently receiving treatment at various primary healthcare centres in the state.
Reacting to the development, the Niger State Government expressed deep concern and confirmed the establishment of an isolation centre at the old wing of the Senator Idris Ibrahim Kuta Primary Healthcare Centre along Old Airport Road in Minna.
The state Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Ibrahim Dangana, said the government has activated a multi-sectoral response, including the creation of treatment and isolation centres in all the affected local government areas.
“We have established treatment and isolation centres to curb the spread of the disease and are conducting intensive sensitisation campaigns,” Dangana said.
He added that the public awareness drive is targeting religious organisations such as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Islamic groups, and the eight emirates across the state.
The commissioner also commended Governor Mohammed Bago and donor agencies for their swift intervention and support.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Tertiary Healthcare, Ibrahim Idris, reiterated that Chanchaga, Bosso, and Shiroro remain the most severely affected areas.
