The Borno State government has ramped up its response to a worsening cholera outbreak that has claimed 39 lives, with suspected cases soaring to 4,204 across seven local government areas. Dr Jacob Thlizer, Incident Manager of the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, disclosed this during a sensitisation meeting on preventive measures and curative management of acute watery diarrhoea for stakeholders from the state's 27 local government areas, held in Maiduguri.
Thlizer reported that 274 new suspected cases were recorded in the last 24 hours across 36 wards in the affected councils. The total number of suspected cases line-listed across the affected local governments has risen to 4,204, while the death toll stands at 39. The affected local governments include Jere, Bama, Kaga, Mafa, Kwaya Kusar, MMC, Konduga, Monguno, Magumeri, and Ngala.
Providing a breakdown of the cases, Thlizer said MMC recorded 2,404 cases, Jere 1,214, Konduga 275, Mafa 184, Monguno 90, Kaga 18, Bama eight, Kwaya Kusar eight, Ngala two, and Magumeri one. He noted that the state government has activated emergency response measures to contain the outbreak. These measures include the activation of an Incident Management System (IMS), coordination meetings with health actors, awareness campaigns in hotspot communities, and procurement of medical commodities.
“The Ministry of Health has established dedicated health centres, namely the Emergency and Infectious Disease Centre in Njimtilo and an infectious disease camp with over 1,000 beds at Ngarannam to treat affected persons,” he added. Thlizer also confirmed that Governor Babagana Zulum has approved the delivery of drugs and consumables to camps where patients are receiving treatment. He urged residents to maintain proper hygiene and promptly report symptoms of cholera to health facilities.
Earlier, the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani, assured that the government would continue to support health institutions in efforts to curb the spread of the disease. “I want to thank you and commend your efforts. If there are any issues anywhere, please let us know so that we can confront this menace,” he said. “In the last three or four days, a lot of efforts have been made and I believe that this sensitisation is also a great step,” Tijani added.
