At least 12 people have died and over 230 others have been hospitalised in several local government areas (LGAs) in Niger State due to a cholera epidemic.
Shiroro Local Government Area was where the epidemic was initially discovered on Sunday.
At least six LGAs, including Minna, Bosso, Shiroro, Magama, Bisa, and Munya, have been affected by the cases as of Wednesday.
According to medical officials, 239 people had been impacted and were being treated at different primary healthcare facilities in the affected areas.
In response, the state government opened an isolation centre at the old wing of the Late Sen. Idris Kuta Primary Healthcare Centre in Minna.
Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr Ibrahim Dangana, confirmed that a multi-sectoral response team had been deployed to curb the spread of the disease.
“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,” Dangana said.
He commended Gov. Mohammed Bago for his swift intervention and appreciated the support of donor agencies.
Also speaking, the Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Tertiary Healthcare, Dr Ibrahim Idris, identified Chanchaga, Minna, Bosso and Shiroro as the worst-hit areas.
