At least 12 people have died and more than 230 others have been hospitalised following a cholera outbreak in Niger State, health officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The outbreak, which started on Sunday in Shiroro Local Government Area (LGA), has now spread to at least six LGAs—Shiroro, Minna, Bosso, Magama, Bisa, and Munya.
According to healthcare workers, a total of 239 patients are receiving treatment in primary healthcare centres across the affected areas.
In response to the outbreak, the Niger State Government has opened a special isolation centre at the old section of the Late Sen. Idris Kuta Primary Healthcare Centre in Minna to handle rising cases.
Dr. Ibrahim Dangana, the State Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, said a rapid response team has been deployed to manage and contain the outbreak.
“We have set up treatment and isolation centres in all affected LGAs,” Dr. Dangana said. “Public awareness campaigns are ongoing, especially through religious organisations and traditional institutions across the eight emirates.”
He thanked Governor Mohammed Bago for his quick intervention and also acknowledged the support of donor agencies in providing medical and logistical assistance.
Dr. Ibrahim Idris, Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Tertiary Healthcare, said that Chanchaga, Minna, Bosso, and Shiroro are currently the worst-hit areas.
Cholera, a waterborne disease often caused by contaminated food or water, spreads quickly in communities lacking clean water and proper sanitation. Health authorities are urging the public to maintain good hygiene and report symptoms such as severe diarrhoea and vomiting to the nearest health centre immediately.
The state government assured residents that every effort is being made to stop the spread and treat those affected.
