At least 39 people have died while 4,204 suspected cholera cases have now been recorded across several local government areas of Borno State, health authorities have said, as 274 new infections were confirmed within the last 24 hours.
The Incident Manager of the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, Dr. Jacob Thlizer, disclosed the figures on Tuesday during a sensitisation meeting on the prevention and treatment of acute watery diarrhoea, attended by representatives from all 27 local government areas and other stakeholders in Maiduguri.
Thlizer said the outbreak remains active, with 274 new suspected cases reported across 36 wards within a single day, bringing the cumulative total to 4,204 cases.
“In total, we now have 39 deaths,” he said.
According to him, the affected local government areas include Jere, Bama, Kaga, Mafa, Kwaya Kusar, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC), Konduga, Monguno, Magumeri and Ngala.
He said Maiduguri Metropolitan Council recorded the highest burden with 2,404 cases, followed by Jere with 1,214 cases. Other affected areas include Konduga with 275 cases, Mafa with 184, Monguno with 90, Kaga with 18, while Bama and Kwaya Kusar recorded eight cases each. Ngala has two cases, while Magumeri recorded one.
Thlizer said the state government had activated emergency response measures to contain the spread of the disease.
He explained that interventions include the activation of the Incident Management System, coordination with health partners, public awareness campaigns in hotspot communities and the distribution of essential medical supplies.
He added that surveillance and community sensitisation efforts had been intensified to limit further transmission of the disease.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Borno State Ministry of Health and Human Services, Shetima Muhammad, said dedicated treatment facilities had been set up to manage the growing number of cases.
He said the Emergency and Infectious Disease Centre in Njimtilo and an infectious disease camp in Ngarannam with more than 1,000 bed spaces had been activated.
Muhammad said Governor Babagana Umara Zulum had approved the distribution of drugs and medical consumables to treatment centres and affected camps.
He urged residents to observe strict hygiene practices and seek prompt medical attention at the onset of symptoms.
Meanwhile, the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani, assured that the government would continue to support health institutions working to contain the outbreak.
“We are grateful for the efforts so far. If there are any issues anywhere, please let us know so that we can confront this menace,” he said, expressing optimism that ongoing sensitisation and response measures would help curb the spread.
