Several communities across 6 LGAs in Niger State, North-Central Nigeria, have reported a cholera outbreak. So far, 13 people have been confirmed dead, and 130 others are currently hospitalised.
A total of 239 cases have been officially recorded.
The affected LGAs include Chanchaga, Bosso, Munya, Shiroro, Magama, and Bida, with Chanchaga and Bosso recording the highest number of infections.
According to reports, 67 cases were recorded in Chanchaga, 68 in Bosso, 58 in Shiroro, and 20 cases each in Bida, Magama, and Munya.
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Preliminary findings suggest the outbreak may have been partly caused by the consumption of contaminated rainwater.
The State Commissioner for Primary Health, Dr Ibrahim Ahmed Dangana, confirmed the outbreak and stated that the Idris Kuta Primary Health Care Centre in Minna, the state capital, has been designated for treating patients from Chanchaga LGA. Similar health facilities in the other LGAs are also providing care for affected residents.
Dr Dangana added that donor agencies, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), and the State Water Board, have been mobilised to support containment efforts.
He also announced that the state government has procured large quantities of medicines, including antibiotics, to treat victims. He urged the public to consume only clean water, fruits, and food to avoid further spread of the disease.
Dr Dangana commended the state governor for his prompt response, which he said had contributed to a decline in the rate of transmission.
Also speaking, the Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Tertiary Health, Dr Ibrahim Idris, confirmed that surveillance teams have been deployed to all affected LGAs to contain the epidemic.
Dr Idris noted that those admitted to hospitals are receiving free treatment and reported that the rate of new infections is now on a downward trend.