Borno battles cholera surge, confirms 4,204 suspected cases

Health officials in Borno State say the cholera outbreak continues to spread, with 274 new suspected cases recorded in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of suspected infections to 4,204.

The Incident Manager of the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, Dr Jacob Thlizer, disclosed the figures on Tuesday during a meeting on the prevention and treatment of acute watery diarrhoea in Maiduguri.

He said 39 people have died since the outbreak began, with new cases reported across 36 wards in affected communities.

“New suspected cases in the last 24 hours are 274, while the total suspected cases line-listed are 4,204 from 36 wards in the affected local government areas. In total, we now have 39 deaths,” Thlizer said.

According to him, the worst-hit areas are the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere, which account for the majority of cases. Other affected local government areas include Konduga, Mafa, Monguno, Kaga, Bama, Kwaya Kusar, Ngala and Magumeri.

State authorities said emergency measures have already been activated to control the outbreak, including coordination with health partners, public awareness campaigns and the supply of essential medical materials.

The Permanent Secretary of the Borno State Ministry of Health and Human Services, Shetima Muhammad, said treatment centres have been established to manage patients. He noted that facilities at Njimtilo and Ngarannam have been designated for cholera treatment, with the Ngarannam camp providing more than 1,000 bed spaces.

Muhammad also said Governor Babagana Umara Zulum approved the distribution of drugs and medical supplies to camps housing infected persons.

He urged residents to maintain proper hygiene and seek medical attention immediately if they notice symptoms of cholera.

The Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani, praised health workers for their efforts and pledged continued government support.

He expressed confidence that ongoing awareness campaigns would help strengthen efforts to contain the outbreak across the state.

Borno battles cholera surge, confirms 4,204 suspected cases