No fewer than 13 persons have been confirmed dead while 239 others are currently receiving treatment following a fresh outbreak of cholera in Niger State.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the outbreak, which began on Sunday, has rapidly spread across six local government areas, namely Shiroro, Chanchaga, Bosso, Magama, Bida, and Munya.
Health authorities say Chanchaga, Bosso, and Shiroro are the worst-hit, with dozens being treated at various primary healthcare centres in the affected areas.
Confirming the development, the Niger State Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr. Ibrahim Dangana, said the government had activated an isolation and treatment centre at the old wing of the late Senator Idris Ibrahim Kuta Primary Healthcare Centre, located along Old Airport Road in Minna.
“We have set up treatment and isolation centres to curb the spread and are currently embarking on aggressive public sensitisation campaigns across the eight emirates in the state,” Dangana said.
He added that the awareness drive now includes engagements with religious bodies such as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Islamic groups, to ensure widespread information dissemination on prevention and early treatment.
The Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Tertiary Healthcare, Dr. Ibrahim Idris, also confirmed the situation, describing it as a “public health emergency that demands swift collective action.”
The state government has expressed appreciation to Governor Mohammed Umar Bago and several donor agencies for their prompt intervention and support.
As of press time, health officials continue to monitor the situation closely, even as residents are being urged to maintain strict hygiene practices, ensure proper waste disposal, and seek medical attention at the first sign of symptoms.
Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Without prompt treatment, it can lead to severe dehydration and death.
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