A cholera outbreak in Borno State has claimed at least 37 lives and infected more than 3,000 people across 138 communities in seven local government areas, the state government has confirmed.
The outbreak, which began in early May and has surged during the rainy season, has overwhelmed health facilities in the worst-hit areas, according to health officials.
Maiduguri and Jere Worst Hit
The highest number of cases has been recorded in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, with over 2,000 infections, followed by Jere Local Government Area with more than 1,000 cases. Other affected LGAs include Mafa, Konduga, Monguno, Ngala, and Magumeri.
Dr Saleh Kaza, Executive Secretary of the Borno State Contributory Healthcare Agency, described the situation as a serious health crisis. “We are facing a serious health crisis as a devastating cholera outbreak has struck Borno,” he said. Over 100 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours alone.
Vaccination Campaign Underway
Plans are underway for a cholera vaccination drive, with support from international partners including the World Health Organisation, UNICEF, and Médecins Sans Frontières. The case fatality rate currently stands at about one per cent.
The outbreak comes as Borno already battles a complex humanitarian situation, with thousands of internally displaced persons living in camps where water and sanitation infrastructure remains inadequate.
Sources: Punch, BusinessDay
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