A cholera outbreak has struck parts of Niger State, claiming at least 12 lives and hospitalising over 236 people across multiple local government areas.

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The outbreak, first reported on Sunday in Shiroro Local Government Area, has now spread to other councils, including Chanchaga (Minna), Bosso, Magama, New Bussa, and Munya. Health officials say the waterborne disease has affected more than 239 individuals, many of whom are currently receiving treatment in various primary healthcare centres.

In response, the Niger State Government has activated emergency measures, including the establishment of treatment and isolation centres in all affected areas. An isolation facility has also been set up at the old wing of the Late Senator Idris Ibrahim Kuta Primary Healthcare Centre along Old Airport Road in Minna.

Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr Ibrahim Ahmed Dangana, confirmed the outbreak and said the government has adopted a multisectoral approach to curb the spread. According to him, the state is intensifying public sensitisation efforts, targeting religious organisations such as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Islamic groups, and traditional institutions across the state’s eight emirates.

“We are deploying treatment and isolation centres to mitigate the spread and have launched an aggressive awareness campaign,” Dangana stated.

He commended Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for his swift intervention and appreciated the support from donor agencies responding to the crisis.

Also speaking on the outbreak, the Director of Public Health in the Ministry of Tertiary Health Care, Dr Ibrahim Idris, identified Chanchaga, Bosso, and Shiroro as the worst-hit local government areas.

Authorities continue to urge residents to maintain proper hygiene and ensure access to safe drinking water as efforts intensify to contain the epidemic.

LUKMAN ABDULMALIK
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