No fewer than 13 persons affected by cholera are currently receiving treatment at the isolation center established by the Niger State Government in Minna, the state capital.
Health officials have confirmed that the total number of cholera cases has risen to 297 from the previously reported 240 across six local government areas in the state.
The affected areas include Shiroro, Minna, Bosso, Magama, Bida, and Munya local government areas, with authorities working to contain the spread of the disease.
UNICEF Intervention and Assessment
Dr. Gerida Birukila, UNICEF Chief of Kaduna Field Office, inspected the isolation center at the old wing of Senator Idris Ibrahim Kuta Primary Health Care Centre along old airport road in Minna. She stated that UNICEF was on ground to assess the situation and provide support to the Niger State government.
"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," Dr. Birukila explained.
She further revealed, "As of today (Thursday), most of those who have died are children and they are also more represented in the 297 suspected cases."
Current Situation and Response
According to Dr. Birukila, "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. Some of them are positive while others are not."
Dr. Sule Mele, UNICEF Health Specialist with the Kaduna Field Office, noted that the cholera outbreak was first identified two weeks ago in Minna before spreading to other areas.
"So far, we have over two hundred suspected cases and 50 percent are positive for rapid diagnostic test. And the cases may likely increase," Dr. Mele warned.
He added that UNICEF is working diligently to curb the spread through public sensitization campaigns and case management strategies.
It should be recalled that the Niger State government, through the Commissioner of Primary Health Care, Dr. Ibrahim Dangana, had earlier confirmed that thirteen lives were lost and about two hundred and forty persons hospitalized across the six affected local government areas.
Health experts advise residents to maintain proper hygiene, drink clean water, and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration.
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