A cholera outbreak at the Kurmawa Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kano State has resulted in the deaths of two inmates. According to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), one inmate died at the custodial centre, while the other died at the Kano State Infectious Diseases Hospital. The outbreak was confirmed through laboratory investigation on September 23 by the Service's medical team and Kano State public health authorities.
The incident was first detected on September 17 when an inmate presented with vomiting and diarrhoea and was immediately admitted and treated at the centre's medical facility. The medical team activated emergency protocols the following morning, intensifying treatment, monitoring, and other interventions. These measures brought the outbreak under control, with no further deaths recorded since the diagnosis.
The NCoS Public Relations Officer, Jane Osuji, stated that the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, directed that all necessary measures be sustained to protect the health and welfare of inmates and personnel. The Controller-General extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and reaffirmed the Service's commitment to treating persons in custody humanely and protecting their health, dignity, and welfare.
The NCoS has introduced additional preventive measures in collaboration with the Kano State Government to prevent future occurrences. The Service is working to strengthen continuous disease surveillance, early detection, and prompt medical response in collaboration with relevant public health authorities. Osuji expressed regret over the deaths and reassured the public that healthcare services remain available across custodial facilities through qualified medical personnel.
A team of senior medical personnel from the Service's National Headquarters has been directed to proceed to the facility for sustained monitoring. The NCoS wishes to reassure the public that it is committed to upholding the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, and established correctional standards. The Service is working to ensure that inmates receive adequate healthcare and protection.
The Kano State Government is working closely with the NCoS to prevent future outbreaks. The state's public health authorities are collaborating with the Service to strengthen disease surveillance and response. The government has also been working to improve healthcare services in custodial facilities across the state.
The NCoS has urged the public to be assured that it is committed to protecting the health and welfare of inmates and personnel. The Service is working to prevent future outbreaks and ensure that inmates receive adequate healthcare.
Key points
- Two inmates have died from a cholera outbreak at the Kurmawa Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kano State, Nigeria.
- The outbreak has been contained, with no further deaths recorded since the diagnosis.
- The NCoS has introduced additional preventive measures in collaboration with the Kano State Government to prevent future occurrences.
