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From Timothy Olanrewaju, Maiduguri
Borno State has recorded over 3,0000 cholera cases and 37 deaths in a severe outbreak that hit the state since early May.
An update by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) indicates that the first cholera case emerged in Maiduguri, the state capital in May but rapidly spread to its environs.
Executive Secretary of the Borno State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (BOSCHMA), Dr. Saleh Abba Kaza, confirmed 37 deaths in 3,000 suspected cases of the water borne disease, a rise in the 27 deaths reported by the NCDC from May 1 to 25.
“It is confirmed that we are facing a serious health crisis as a devastating cholera outbreak has struck Borno, with over 3,000 reported cases and 37 tragic deaths across 36 wards in seven local government areas (LGAs) within the month of May,” Kaza said in an advisory he issued weekend to sensitise the people.
He said 100 cases were reported between last weekend while Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) recorded the highest incidence with more than 2,000 cases.
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He said 13 communities, including Mafa, Konduga, Monguno, Ngala and Magumeri had been affected.
He said authority has responded quickly to the public health crisis by evacuating the affected persons for treatment and deploying all measures towards the containment of the outbreak.
He urged residents to ensure proper water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) practices. He said contamination of pipe-borne water and dams in many communities had been detected, adding that chlorination of water is very important.
He also urged residents to desist from open defecation as the practice remains a serious risk. He advised people to maintain proper hand washing and disposal of waste.
Kaza commended the international partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other bodies for their intervention and support.
According to experts, cholera is a potentially deadly waterborne disease usually caused by a bacteria. It triggers sudden watery diarrhoea, vomiting and dehydration and can lead to death within a few hours of infection of the victim.
