A cholera outbreak has killed at least 12 people and left over 230 others hospitalised across multiple Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Niger State.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the first cases were reported on Sunday in Shiroro LGA. By Wednesday, the infection had spread rapidly, affecting at least six LGAs: Minna, Bosso, Shiroro, Magama, Bisa, and Munya.
Health officials confirmed that 239 people have been infected so far and are receiving treatment at various primary healthcare facilities across the state.
To contain the outbreak, the state government has set up an isolation ward at the old section of the Late Sen. Idris Kuta Primary Healthcare Centre in Minna.
Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Ibrahim Dangana, stated that a multi-sectoral team had been mobilised to tackle the situation.
“We have established treatment and isolation centres in the affected LGAs to contain the outbreak.
“Aggressive sensitisation campaigns are ongoing, targeting religious organisations like CAN and Islamic groups, as well as the eight emirates in the state,” Mr Dangana said.
He praised Governor Mohammed Bago for his swift response and acknowledged the contributions of donor agencies supporting the intervention efforts.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Tertiary Healthcare, Ibrahim Idris, described Chanchaga, Minna, Bosso, and Shiroro as the most severely affected areas.
