451 cases of cholera have been recorded in Borno state following the severe flooding caused by the collapse of the Alau Dam.
The flooding has affected Maiduguri and surrounding areas, leading to the displacement of approximately 2 million people, destruction of health facilities, loss of lives and properties, and disruption of portable water and power supply.
The Borno State Commissioner of Health and Human Services, Professor Baba Malam Gana confirmed the cholera outbreak during an emergency meeting with government stakeholders and health partners at the EOC Center in Maiduguri on Friday, October 4, 2024.
“We are having a cholera outbreak in Borno State, which is highly contagious and can be transmitted via the fecal-oral route with an approximate incubation period of 2-5 days,” Gana stated.
The commissioner attributed the outbreak to the recent devastating floods that swept through the state, displacing over two million people and destroying critical health.
“Risk factors include poor sanitation and/or personal hygiene, open defecation, poor food, and water storage, insufficient portable water supply to the entire populace, high population density, especially in IDP camps, ceremonies, and other congregate settings,” the commissioner explained.
The affected local government areas include Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Jere, Konduga, Mafa, and Monguno.
“I appeal to all line ministries, agencies, departments, and partners to join hands and provide optimal responses in order to control the current cholera outbreak,” Prof. Gana urged.
Commending Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s efforts, Prof. Gana said, “I want to use this opportunity to express our profound appreciation to His Excellency, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, for providing succor to flood-affected communities, massive infrastructural developments, especially in the health sector, employments, and approval/allocation of 15% budget for the health sector in 2024.
“The media has a vital role to play in partnering with the government to appropriately inform, sensitise, create awareness, and educate the public about the dangers of cholera and how to prevent it,” Gana emphasised.
