The Borno State Government has officially declared a cholera outbreak, reporting a concerning 451 cases so far. This announcement was made on Friday by Prof. Baba Mallam Gana, the state’s Commissioner for Health, during a press conference held in Maiduguri.
Prof. Gana highlighted that cholera is a highly contagious disease that can be transmitted through the fecal-oral route, with an incubation period of approximately 2-5 days. He attributed the outbreak to the recent devastating floods that have affected the state, displacing over two million people and damaging crucial health infrastructure.
The commissioner noted several risk factors contributing to the cholera outbreak, including poor sanitation and hygiene practices, open defecation, inadequate food and water storage, insufficient potable water supply, and high population density in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and crowded settings.
The local government areas most affected by the outbreak include Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Jere, Konduga, Mafa, and Monguno. Prof. Gana called on all line ministries, agencies, departments, and partners to collaborate and respond effectively to control the current outbreak.
He commended Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for his efforts in supporting flood-affected communities, enhancing health sector infrastructure, providing employment, and allocating 15% of the 2024 budget for health initiatives.
Prof. Gana also emphasized the media’s critical role in partnering with the government to raise awareness, inform the public, and educate communities about cholera prevention and response measures.