Borno Cholera Outbreak Worsens as Cases Rise to 4,204, Death Toll Reaches 39
By Jonathan Edeh
E-ISSN:2354-4481
The cholera outbreak in Borno State has continued to escalate, with health authorities confirming 274 new suspected cases within the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of reported cases to 4,204 and the death toll to 39.
The update was provided on Tuesday by the Incident Manager of the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, Dr. Jacob Thlizer, during a sensitisation meeting on preventive measures and clinical management of acute watery diarrhoea. The meeting brought together representatives from 27 local government areas and key stakeholders in Maiduguri.
According to Dr. Thlizer, the latest infections were recorded across 36 wards in several affected local government areas, highlighting the continued spread of the disease despite ongoing response efforts.
He disclosed that the cumulative figure of 4,204 suspected cases has been reported from affected communities in Jere, Bama, Kaga, Mafa, Kukawa, Kwaya Kusar, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC), Konduga, Monguno, Magumeri, and Ngala local government areas.
Providing a breakdown of the outbreak, Dr. Thlizer stated that MMC accounts for the highest number of cases with 2,404 infections, followed by Jere with 1,214 cases. Other affected areas include Konduga with 275 cases, Mafa with 184, Monguno with 90, Kaga with 18, Bama and Kwaya Kusar with eight cases each, Ngala with two cases, and Magumeri with one reported case. He added that a total of 39 fatalities have been recorded since the outbreak began.
Despite the rising figures, Dr. Thlizer noted that the state government has intensified emergency response measures to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission.
He explained that the government has activated its Incident Management System, strengthened coordination among health partners, increased public awareness campaigns in identified hotspots, and procured essential medical supplies and treatment commodities.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Permanent Secretary of the Borno State Ministry of Health and Human Services, Shettima Muhammad, said the government has established dedicated treatment facilities to manage infected patients and reduce pressure on existing healthcare centres.
According to him, the state has operationalised the Emergency and Infectious Disease Centre in Njimtilo and an infectious disease treatment camp at Nganaram with a capacity of more than 1,000 beds to cater to affected persons.
Muhammad further disclosed that Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has approved the distribution of drugs, medical consumables, and other essential supplies to designated treatment camps across the state to strengthen the response effort.
He appealed to residents to maintain high standards of personal and environmental hygiene, ensure proper sanitation, and promptly seek medical attention whenever symptoms associated with cholera are observed.
Earlier, the Secretary to the Borno State Government (SSG), Bukar Tijani, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to supporting healthcare institutions and emergency response teams in combating the outbreak.
Tijani commended health workers and stakeholders for their dedication, assuring them that the state government would address operational challenges and provide the necessary support to contain the disease and protect public health.
He noted that significant interventions had been implemented over the past few days and expressed confidence that continued public sensitisation and coordinated action would help curb the spread of the outbreak across affected communities.
