Borno Cholera outbreak records over 3,000 cases in May

Borno State in North East Nigeria is battling a major cholera outbreak, with more than 3,000 reported cases and 37 deaths recorded across 36 wards in seven local government areas within the month of May.

According to a public health alert issued by Dr Saleh Abba Kaza, the outbreak was first reported on May 1 and confirmed on May 4. The latest figures show that more than 100 new cases were reported within the last 24 hours alone.

The report indicates that the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council has recorded the highest number of cases, with over 2,000 infections, followed by the Jere Local Government Area with more than 1,000 cases.

Other affected local government areas include Mafa, Konduga, Monguno, Ngala, and Magumeri, with over 138 communities impacted by the outbreak.

Dr Kaza noted that the outbreak, which currently has a case fatality rate of about one per cent, has placed significant pressure on the state's health infrastructure. He called for urgent collective action to curb the spread of the disease.

He urged residents to strengthen water, sanitation, and hygiene practices, stressing that contamination of pipe-borne water sources and dams has been detected in several communities.

He emphasised the critical importance of water chlorination, proper waste disposal, ending open defecation, regular handwashing, safe food preparation, and effective waste management, especially during the rainy season.

The health expert also advised residents to promptly report symptoms such as vomiting and watery diarrhoea to the nearest health facility and to avoid seeking treatment from unqualified persons.

Furthermore, he called for the fumigation of affected communities to reduce health risks.