Cholera Outbreak in Niger State: 13 Dead, 297 Cases Recorded Across Six LGAs

At least 13 people have died and 297 others have been affected by a cholera outbreak in Niger State, with 13 patients currently receiving treatment at the state government’s isolation center in Minna, the state capital. The cases, which initially stood at 240, have now increased, spreading across six local government areas: Shiroro, Minna, Bosso, Magama, Bida, and Munya.

During an inspection of the isolation facility at the old wing of Senator Idris Ibrahim Kuta Primary Health Care Centre along Old Airport Road, Minna, UNICEF’s Chief of Kaduna Field Office, Dr. Gerida Birukila, said they were in the state to assess the situation and support the government’s response efforts.

Dr. Birukila noted that most of the casualties were children.
“We are here to help upgrade the isolation center to meet the required standards and accommodate the rising number of cases. We first received reports of the outbreak two weeks ago in two LGAs near Minna, but it has since spread. Sadly, 13 lives have been lost, mostly children,” she said.

She revealed that seven patients are currently isolated, while four new cases were admitted on Thursday. “In the affected LGAs, there are 23 active cases, with some testing positive and others negative,” she added.

Also speaking, UNICEF Health Specialist in Kaduna Field Office, Dr. Sule Mele, confirmed that over 200 suspected cases have been recorded, with 50 percent testing positive through rapid diagnostic tests. He warned that the numbers might rise further.
“UNICEF is actively working on sensitization and case management to curb the spread of the disease,” he said.