About 96 persons mostly children are reportedly dead following cholera outbreak in Zamfara State, while over 500 more are receiving San Medicine Frontiers (MSF) attention. This allegedly is as a result of the use of contaminated water especially in Gusau, the state capital.
Four local governments in the state comprising Maradun, Anka, Bungudu and Gusau local government areas were seriously affected by the disaster.
The highest record of death toll follows water scarcity that allegedly made the communities resort to the use of drainages and ponds as their major sources of water.
A report disclosed that the MSF has been invited to the Shagari Hospital in Gusau where temporary camps constructed for the treatment of victims are currently ongoing, to give urgent medical attention to over 70 affected persons.
Despite efforts to prevent journalists from gaining access to the camps, the number of victims could read far more than stated, as scores more of victims were continually being brought in for admission.
A lady in charge of MSF said there was a directive not to release any piece of information pertaining to the level of disaster.
Another source from Maradun and Bungudu local government areas has contended that as at the time of compiling this report, the death toll has risen to 11 and 17 respectively, adding that the situation is becoming worse as more victims are expected to be recorded.
Efforts to hear from the Health commissioner, Kabiru Janyau, proved abortive as his phone lines were switched-off. But the Permanent Secretary to the state health ministry, Dr. Umar Lawan, who declined details, confirmed the incident, saying the commissioner had visited some of the affected areas across the state
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