No fewer than 37 people have lost their lives in a cholera outbreak that has swept through several communities in Borno State, with more than 3,000 infections recorded within the month of May.
The alarming figures were disclosed on Saturday by the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency, Dr Saleh Kaza, who described the situation as a major public health emergency requiring immediate intervention.
According to Kaza, the outbreak was first reported on May 1 and officially confirmed three days later. Since then, the disease has spread rapidly across 36 wards in seven local government areas of the state.
He noted that between May 1 and May 29, health authorities documented over 3,000 suspected and confirmed cases, alongside 37 fatalities linked to the disease.
The official further revealed that more than 100 new infections were recorded within the last 24 hours, underscoring the speed at which the outbreak is spreading.
Maiduguri Metropolitan Council remains the hardest-hit area, accounting for over 2,000 cases, while neighbouring Jere Local Government Area has recorded more than 1,000 infections.
Other affected councils include Mafa, Konduga, Monguno, Ngala and Magumeri, with the outbreak impacting over 138 communities across the state.
Kaza expressed concern that the rising number of cases was placing significant pressure on healthcare facilities, warning that coordinated action was urgently needed to contain the disease and prevent further deaths.
He attributed part of the spread to poor sanitation practices, including open defecation and improper waste disposal, especially as rainfall increases the risk of contaminated waste being washed into residential areas and water sources.
The health official urged residents to adopt strict hygiene measures, including regular handwashing, safe food handling and proper waste management.
He also advised members of the public to seek immediate medical attention whenever symptoms such as persistent vomiting and watery diarrhoea occur.
Kaza disclosed that plans were underway to commence a cholera vaccination campaign in the state, stressing, however, that vaccines alone would not eliminate the threat without improved sanitation and personal hygiene.
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He commended the Borno State Ministry of Health and development partners for their support in tackling the outbreak, including the World Health Organization, UNICEF, Médecins Sans Frontières and other humanitarian agencies assisting with emergency response efforts.
