The Niger State Commissioner for Health, Dr Ibrahim Sule, on Tuesday announced the discovery of one wild polio virus in the state after three years of virus-free status.
He, however, described the discovery as `imported polio.''
Sule told newsmen in Minna that “it is sad and regrettable to inform you of the discovery of a case of wild polio virus in Unguwan Biri in Bangi Town in Mariga Local Government Area of the state.
“This is unfortunate after being polio-free for almost three years; the child got paralysed because of the wild polio virus, the parents are nomads from Zamfara.
“The parent moved into Niger State as a result of communal clashes and settled in Unguwan Biri, this is an imported case from Zamfara. “
He said the ministry had investigated the family and discovered that the parents had history of non-compliance with routine immunisation while in Zamfara, and only started accepting it on their relocation to Niger.
Sule said an advocacy visit and sensitisation drive would be carried out by the ministry on the affected community and the whole of? Kontagora Emirate Council in a bid to stem the tide of a possible spread of the disease.
According to him, a mop up campaign in Mariga Local Government Council is to be organised, targeting 20 per cent of the children population in the area.
He gave an assurance that all children from five years and zero would be immunised during the mop up exercise.
The commissioner said the State Government would not relent in its efforts to ensure that polio was kicked out of the state.
He said the State Government would not hesitate to prosecute any parent who refused officials from immunising their children or wards.
“We are planning an effective border synchronisation meeting with neigbouring states to ensure surveillance and reduce cases of unimmunised and missed children. “ (NAN)