Cholera outbreak: 13 persons isolated, 297 cases reported in Niger
No fewer than 13 persons affected by cholera pandemic are said to be currently on admission at the Isolation center set up by the State Government in Minna, the state capital.
Also, the total number of those that are affected by the pandemic has increased to 297 from 240 across six local government areas.
The affected areas include Shiroro, Minna, Bosso, Magama, Bida and Munya.
Speaking after inspecting the isolation centre at old wing of Senator Idris Ibrahim Kuta Primary Health Care Centre along old airport road Minna, the UNICEF Chief of Kaduna Field Office, Dr. Gerida Birukila said they were on ground to assess the situation and provide support to the Niger State government.
Recall Niger state government through the Commissioner of Primary Health Care, Dr. Ibrahim Dangana, confirmed that thirteen lives were lost and about two hundred and forty persons hospitalised in six local government areas.
According to her, “We are here to help beef up the center to the right standard for an isolation center to cater for the increasing number of cases. We got information on the outbreak two weeks ago in about two LGs around Minna before the spread to other areas. And we galvanized support , but unfortunately, we lost 13 persons mostly children.
“As of today (Thursday), most of those who have died are children and they are also more represented in the 297 suspected cases.”
“We have seven persons in isolation and received four new cases who have just been admitted here, but in the local government areas there are twenty three cases. But some of them are positive while others are not.”
Also, UNICEF Health Specialist with the Kaduna Field Office, Dr. Sule Mele said the case of cholera was identified two weeks ago in Minna before it spread to other areas.
He said, “So far, we have over two hundred suspected cases and 50 percent are positive for rapid diagnostic test. And the cases may likely increase of cases.”
He further disclosed that UNICEF is doing all it can to curb the spread by carrying out sensitisation and case management.
” As of today (Thursday), most of those who have died are children and they are also more represented in the 297 suspected cases.”
Cholera outbreak: 13 persons isolated, 297 cases reported in Niger
