A cholera outbreak in Borno State has claimed at least 37 lives, with health authorities confirming that more than 3,000 cases have been recorded across several local government areas in the state.
The Executive Secretary of the Borno State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency, Dr Saleh Kaza, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, noting that the outbreak occurred between May 1 and May 29 after the first case was confirmed earlier in the month.
He described the situation as a serious public health emergency, warning that the spread of the disease had placed significant pressure on the state’s healthcare system.
According to him, the highest number of infections was recorded in the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council with over 2,000 cases, followed by Jere with more than 1,000 cases. Other affected areas include Mafa, Konduga, Monguno, Ngala and Magumeri, spanning over 138 communities.
Kaza said more than 100 new cases were reported within the last 24 hours of the assessment period, adding that the state is currently battling a rising fatality rate estimated at about one per cent.
He warned that poor sanitation practices, including open defecation and improper waste disposal, were worsening the spread of the infection, especially as the rainy season intensifies.
Residents were urged to maintain strict hygiene practices such as regular handwashing, safe food preparation, proper waste disposal and early reporting of symptoms like vomiting and diarrhoea to health facilities.
He also disclosed that plans were underway to introduce a cholera vaccination campaign, while stressing that vaccination must be supported by improved hygiene practices to be effective.
The state government acknowledged support from development partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF and Médecins Sans Frontières, in the ongoing response efforts.
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