Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger Stae
Cholera hits Niger, kills five in Katcha LG
By Mohammed Usman
Katcha Local Government Area (LGA) in Niger State has been hit by cholera, killing no fewer than five people, with several others in hospitals.
Also, there are fears that the disease has spread to Paiko, Paikoro council of the state.
Already, the management of Paiko Modern Clinic has allocated a special ward to the affected patients, whose numbers keep rising.
Though the head of the facility declined comments, a healthcare worker, told our correspondent on condition of anonymity that the facility has recorded at least four new cases and many deaths as at today (Wednesday).
Findings suggests that the disease outbreak may not be unconnected with the lack of pipe borne water as the people depend on seasonal river flows and dug wells for both domestic and commercial water needs.
Relatives of patients at the Paiko health facility recalled what they go through sourcing for water to bath the patients, wash their clothes and also meet other sanitary needs.
The Permanent Secretary, Niger State Ministry of Health, Dr. Muhammad Gana, confirmed the outbreak but could not disclose the number of deaths.
Also read: I’II continuously serve Niger citizens, Bago assures
He said that some health personnel with drugs had been dispatched to the affected areas to contain the situation.
His words: “The ministry has already dispatched a team of health professionals with commodities to curtail the outbreak.”
Meanwhile, there are fears that the disease will spread beyond Paiko and Katche as unconfirmed reports pointed out that the state has no cholera vaccines.
While attributing possible cause of cholera outbreak to poor hygiene, Gana, who called on citizens to take personal and environmental hygiene very seriously, said cholera is water and sanitation related issues.
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