Kebbi: 204 killed, 2,500 hospitalised in cholera outbreak

According to a NAN investigation, cholera killed 204 people and hospitalized 2,551 people in 20 Kebbi local government areas.

According to a Kebbi Ministry of Health official who spoke on the condition of anonymity on Wednesday, the first deaths were documented in Diri Daji in Sakaba and has since spread to 20 LGAs.

“We have been badly affected by the recent cholera outbreak. But we thank God people are now recovering, and the death is not as much as in other areas of the state,” another source said.

When contacted, the Chief Medical Director of Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital, Aminu Haliru-Bunza, confirmed that at least 2,208 affected patients had been hospitalised across 20 LGAs.

“Out of the 21 local government areas, 20 have now been affected by the contagious disease. Test carried out showed that 2,208 persons had been tested in those areas, while 146 persons have so far died since the outbreak of the disease,” said Mr Haliru-Bunza. “The figure cuts across all sexes and no specific age bracket, as all ages are affected.”

Mr Haliru-Bunza, who disclosed that the outbreak was caused by contamination due to micro bacteria, advised the residents to improve their hygiene, environmental sanitation, and cleanness.

According to him, the Kebbi government is taking steps to contain the spread of the disease, disclosing that the government has provided equipment and drugs to local councils.

“We have surveillance officers and camps to isolate people as the disease is highly infectious,” he said.

Mr Haliru-Bunza also urged health workers to refrain from providing home care to suspected cases, instead reporting them to the state’s nearest health facilities.