Many are feared dead following a cholera outbreak in Niger communities
The Niger State Government has confirmed a cholera outbreak in Katcha Local Government Area, affecting numerous residents.
Muhammad Gana, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health, confirmed the outbreak in Katcha while addressing journalists.
According to him, “To combat the outbreak, the Ministry of Health has promptly deployed a team of healthcare professionals, equipped with essential commodities to curtail it in the community, to the affected community.”
Also, concerns are mounting over suspected cholera cases in Paiko, Paikoro Local Government Area of the state.
Findings by Newsmen during a visit revealed a surge in patients exhibiting cholera symptoms at Paiko Modern Clinic, as a dedicated ward has been set aside for patients afflicted with the disease, fueling fears of a potential outbreak in the area.
A healthcare worker in the center, who did not wish to be named, said they have recorded at least four new cases, and a number of deaths have already been recorded, as the head of the hospital refused to comment on it.
It was further learned that the health facility in Paiko has a water challenge, as relatives of patients go through untold hardship sourcing water to clean them and wash their clothes.
Our reporter also learned that currently, the state government has no vaccine against the spread of cholera in the state, thereby further creating apprehension in view of the danger of the outbreak on the affected communities.
Some relatives of patients who spoke lamented the lack of adequate potable water due to the broken-down borehole in the hospital while calling on the council to effect repairs on it.
However, regarding the outbreak in Paikoro LG, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health, Dr. Muhammad Gana, said the ministry is yet to receive reports of the outbreak of cholera in the LG.
He also noted the need for people to take their personal and environmental hygiene seriously, adding that cholera is a water and sanitation problem.
