A cholera outbreak in Niger State has claimed at least 12 lives and left more than 230 others hospitalised across several local government areas, LGAs.

The outbreak was first detected on Sunday in Shiroro Local Government Area.

As of Wednesday, cases had spread to at least six LGAs, including Minna, Bosso, Shiroro, Magama, Bisa and Munya.

Healthcare officials said that 239 individuals had been affected and were receiving treatment at various primary healthcare centres in the impacted areas.

In response, the state government opened an isolation centre at the old wing of the Late Sen. Idris Kuta Primary Healthcare Centre in Minna.

Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr Ibrahim Dangana, confirmed that a multi-sectoral response team had been deployed to curb the spread of the disease.

“We have established treatment and isolation centres in the affected LGAs to contain the outbreak.

“Aggressive sensitization campaigns are ongoing, targeting religious organisations like CAN and Islamic groups, as well as the eight emirates in the state,” Dangana said.

He commended Gov. Mohammed Bago for his swift intervention and appreciated the support of donor agencies.

Also speaking, the Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Tertiary Healthcare, Dr Ibrahim Idris, identified Chanchaga, Minna, Bosso and Shiroro as the worst-hit areas.