A cholera outbreak has struck six Local Government Areas of Niger State, leaving 12 people dead and hospitalising over 230 others, according to the state’s Ministry of Primary Health Care.
The Executive Director of the agency, Dr Ibrahim Dangana, disclosed this on Tuesday in Minna. He said the outbreak was first detected in mid-June and has since spread across the affected LGAs, which include Magama, Rijau, Kontagora, Agwara, Borgu, and Rafi.
Dangana explained that laboratory investigations have confirmed the presence of Vibrio cholerae, the bacteria responsible for the disease. He noted that the deaths occurred among patients who reported late to health facilities, emphasizing that cholera is preventable and treatable if detected early.
He said the State Government has activated its incident management system and response teams in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and other development partners to contain the outbreak.
“We have mobilised Rapid Response Teams to the affected communities to coordinate case management, surveillance, and risk communication,” he stated.
He added that the response includes the provision of medical supplies, such as oral rehydration solutions and antibiotics, alongside community awareness campaigns to promote hygiene and sanitation.
According to him, contributing factors to the outbreak include poor sanitation, open defecation, and lack of access to clean water, which were worsened by recent rainfall and flooding in parts of the state.
Residents in the affected LGAs have been urged to report to the nearest health facility if they notice symptoms such as frequent watery stool, vomiting, and dehydration.
The health agency also advised the public to boil water before drinking, wash hands frequently, avoid eating uncovered food, and maintain clean environments to reduce the risk of infection.
Dr Dangana assured that the situation was under control and the state government is committed to preventing further spread of the disease.
