MAIDUGURI — Health authorities in Borno State have reported a concerning surge in cholera infections, with 274 new suspected cases identified within a 24-hour period. This brings the cumulative total of suspected infections to 4,204across seven local government areas.
Outbreak Status
Total Suspected Cases: 4,204
Total Deaths: 39
Affected Areas: Jere, Bama, Kaga, Mafa, Kwaya Kusar, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Konduga, Monguno, Magumeri, and Ngala.
Scope: The latest cases were documented across 36 wards within a single day.
Government Response
The Borno State government has mobilized an extensive emergency response to contain the spread of the disease:
Treatment Facilities: An Emergency and Infectious Disease Unit has been established in Njimtilo, supplemented by a 1,000-bed capacity cholera treatment camp at Ngarannam.
Medical Supplies: Governor Babagana Zulum has authorized the immediate deployment of essential drugs and medical consumables to all treatment centers.
Public Health Measures: The state has activated its Incident Management System and launched widespread community awareness campaigns to promote hygiene and early symptom reporting.
State officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani, have urged stakeholders to identify and report any gaps in the response to ensure a swift and effective containment of the outbreak.
Situation in Benue State
In contrast, the Benue State government has confirmed that it has yet to record any cholera cases this year. Despite its historical status as a cholera-prone state due to its geography and flood-prone communities, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, stated that the state is currently clear, though authorities remain vigilant as the cholera season progresses.
