Cholera Tightens Deadly Grip on Borno as Cases Rise Above 4,200, Death Toll Reaches 39
The cholera outbreak in Borno State has worsened, with health authorities recording 274 new suspected cases within 24 hours, pushing the total number of infections to 4,204 across affected communities.
Officials also confirmed that 39 people have lost their lives since the outbreak began, raising concerns over the growing public health emergency in the state.
The Incident Manager of the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, Dr. Jacob Thlizer, disclosed the figures on Tuesday during a sensitisation meeting on preventive measures and management of acute watery diarrhoea held in Maiduguri for stakeholders from the state’s 27 local government areas.
According to Thlizer, the latest cases were reported from 36 wards spread across several affected local government areas.
“In the last 24 hours, 274 new suspected cases were recorded, while the total line-listed suspected cases stand at 4,204 from 36 wards in seven local government areas. In total, we now have 39 deaths,” he said.
The affected areas include Jere, Bama, Kaga, Mafa, Kwaya Kusar, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Konduga, Monguno, Magumeri and Ngala, with varying levels of infection reported across the communities.
As the disease continues to spread, the Borno State Government has intensified containment efforts through the activation of the Incident Management System, collaboration with health partners, public awareness campaigns in hotspot communities and the procurement of essential medical supplies.
Thlizer added that treatment and isolation measures had also been expanded to curb further transmission.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Borno State Ministry of Health and Human Services, Shettima Muhammad, revealed that dedicated treatment facilities had been established, including an Emergency and Infectious Disease Unit in Njimtilo and a cholera treatment camp in Ngarannam with a capacity of more than 1,000 beds.
He further disclosed that Governor Babagana Zulum had approved the distribution of drugs and medical consumables to treatment centres across the state to strengthen the response.
Residents have been urged to maintain strict hygiene practices, ensure access to safe drinking water and seek immediate medical attention when symptoms arise.
Meanwhile, the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani, assured residents that authorities were working tirelessly to contain the outbreak.
“In the last three or four days, a lot of efforts have been made, and this sensitisation is also a major step. If there are any gaps anywhere, please let us know so that we can address them,” he said.
While Borno grapples with the outbreak, the Benue State Government has stated that it has not recorded any cholera case this year. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, noted that although the state is entering the peak cholera season, no infection has been confirmed so far.
Benue has historically remained vulnerable to cholera outbreaks due to recurring flooding, poor sanitation and limited access to clean water in several communities, factors that have fueled seasonal spikes in the disease over the years.