37 Die Of Cholera, Over 3,000 Cases Recorded In Borno

Death toll from cholera has risen to 37, with over 3,000 cases recorded across 36 wards in seven local government areas of Borno State.

The executive secretary of the Borno State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency, Dr Saleh Abba Kaza, confirmed the figures yesterday.

The outbreak began with the first incident reported on May 1 and was confirmed May 4. Maiduguri Metropolitan Council has the highest burden with more than 2,000 cases, followed by Jere with over 1,000.

Other affected LGAs include Mafa, Konduga, Monguno, Ngala, and Magumeri, covering 138 communities.

He said over 100 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours alone, putting a 1% case fatality rate on the state’s health system. The Ministry of Health is pushing for oral cholera vaccines, but stressed that improved water, sanitation, and hygiene remain the main defence as rains worsen contamination.

Dr Kaza 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 May.

“In the ongoing event, in the last 24hrs 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 over 138 communities in total.”

He said the current situation, with a concerning 1% case fatality rate, has overwhelmed the state’s health infrastructure, and immediate collective action is essential to combat the spread of this illness.

“To protect our communities, we urge you to implement the following critical measures: Enhance Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Practices: Contamination of pipe-borne water and dams in many communities has been detected, Chlorination of our water is very important.

“Open defecation remains a serious risk. Please ensure proper waste disposal to prevent contamination.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,” Dr Kaza further said.

He encouraged children to avoid picking up waste, as this can introduce illness into homes and to promote thorough hand washing before meals and after using the toilet, practice safe food preparation, and ensure solid waste is effectively managed.

For early detection and reporting,he noted that swift action can save lives, urging residents to report any cases of vomiting or watery stools immediately to the nearest healthcare facility.

For evacuation to treatment centres, he urged the affected to call the Borno Emergency Ambulance hot-line 08000000033.

“Do not rely on unqualified treatment within homes or neighborhoods. Seek professional medical assistance for health concerns. Ensure proper fumigation occurs in affected communities to eliminate health risks.

“The state ministry of health is making concerted effort to make Cholera Vaccine available in the shortest possible time however, it is never a subtitude to WaSH and especially regular and proper hand washing.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to the Borno State Ministry of Health for its leadership during this crisis, as well as to RUWASSA, BOSEPA, SEMSAS, and our partners including WHO, Save the Children, UNICEF, MSF, among others, for their invaluable support in fighting this outbreak. Your commitment and efforts are vital in this battle against cholera.

“Together, we can protect our communities. Let’s unite to stop the spread of cholera. Your health and safety are paramount,” he stated.