Cholera outbreak claims 37 lives, 3,000 cases in Borno 

At least 37 people have lost their lives, and over 3,000 reported cases of cholera have been recorded across 36 wards in seven local government areas of Borno State, according to officials.

Saleh Abba Kaza, Executive Secretary of Borno State Contributory Healthcare Services, made this known, urging members of the general public to take precautionary measures

He said, “Following the first incident report on the 1st of May and confirmation on the 4th of May, it is confirmed that we are facing a serious health crisis as a devastating cholera outbreak has struck Borno, with over 3,000 reported cases and 37 tragic deaths across 36 wards in 7 local government areas (LGAs) within the month of incidence

He added, “In the ongoing event, in the last 24 hours over 100 cases were reported and over the last 29 days of May, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) has the highest incidence, recording more than 2,000 cases, followed by Jere with over 1,000. Additional LGAs involved include Mafa, Konduga, Monguno, Ngala, and Magumeri, affecting a total of over 138 communities.

He decried that, “The current situation, with a concerning 1% case fatality rate, has overwhelmed our health infrastructure, and immediate collective action is essential to combat the spread of this illness.

Saleh noted that the state Ministry of Health is making a concerted effort to make Cholera Vaccine available as quickly as possible; however, it is never a substitute for ‘Enhanced Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene’ (WASH), especially regular and proper hand washing.

“With the rainy season upon us, open waste from open defecation and refuse may be washed back into our living areas, thereby spreading the disease,” he warned.