Borno cholera death toll rises to 39 as 4,204 cases reported

At least 39 people have been confirmed dead, while 4, 204 cases of cholera have been recorded across seven council areas of Borno State, officials said.

The official stated that 274 new suspected cases were recorded in the past 24 hours across 36 wards in affected local government areas, as authorities intensified efforts to control the outbreak.

Jacob Thlizer, Incident Manager of the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, made this announcement at a stakeholders’ meeting in Maiduguri. Thlizer explained that the outbreak has spread across multiple communities, with the highest numbers reported in the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and Jere local government area.

“New suspected cases in the last 24 hours total 274, bringing the overall suspected cases to 4, 4,204,” Thlizer said.

He further noted that the outbreak has so far resulted in 39 fatalities.

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Health authorities reported 2,404 cases in MMC and 1,214 in Jere, with additional infections in Konduga, Mafa, Monguno, Kaga, Kwaya Kusar, Bama, Magumeri, and Ngala local government areas.

He added that the Borno State government and its partners have activated emergency response measures, including coordination meetings with health partners, public awareness campaigns in high- risk communities, and the distribution of medical supplies.

Shetima Muhammad, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Human Services, confirmed that dedicated treatment centres have been established, including an emergency infectious disease facility in Njimtilo and a treatment camp with more than 1, 000 beds in Ngarannam.

Muhammad stated that Governor Zulum had approved the delivery of medicines and other essential supplies to designated treatment centres to assist the response.

Bukar Tijani, the Secretary to the State Government, pledged ongoing support for health institutions and urged residents to practise proper hygiene and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms appear.

Authorities continue to monitor the outbreak as health workers strive to prevent further spread of this waterborne disease.