At least 39 people have died following a cholera outbreak that has spread across multiple local government areas in Borno State, with confirmed and suspected cases now exceeding 4,200, health authorities have confirmed.
The Incident Manager at the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, Dr. Jacob Thlizer, disclosed the figures on Tuesday during a sensitisation meeting on preventive measures and treatment of acute watery diarrhoea involving health stakeholders from 27 local government areas in Maiduguri.
According to him, 274 new suspected cases were recorded within the last 24 hours across 36 wards in seven affected local government areas.
He said the cumulative figure now stands at 4,204 suspected cases, with infections spreading across Jere, Bama, Kaga, Mafa, Kwaya Kusar, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC), Konduga, Monguno, Magumeri and Ngala.
“In the last 24 hours, we recorded 274 new suspected cases. The total suspected cases line-listed is 4,204, recorded from 36 wards across the affected local governments. In total, we now have 39 deaths,” Thlizer stated.
He gave a breakdown of the cases, noting that Maiduguri Metropolitan Council recorded the highest number with 2,404 cases, followed by Jere with 1,214. Other figures include Konduga (275), Mafa (184), Monguno (90), Kaga (18), Bama (8), Kwaya Kusar (8), Magumeri (1), and Ngala (2).
Thlizer added that response measures have been intensified to contain the outbreak, including coordination meetings with health partners, increased awareness campaigns in hotspot communities, and procurement of essential medical supplies.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Borno State Ministry of Health and Human Services, Shetima Muhammad, said the state government has activated emergency response structures to manage the outbreak.
He explained that treatment centres have been established, including the emergency and infectious disease centre in Njimtilo and a dedicated cholera treatment camp in Ngarannam with over 1,000-bed capacity.
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Muhammad added that the administration of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has approved the distribution of drugs and medical consumables to affected camps and treatment centres.
He urged residents to maintain strict hygiene practices and report symptoms early to nearby health facilities to prevent further spread.
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani, assured that the government would continue to support health institutions and intensify containment efforts.
He commended ongoing interventions, noting that coordinated actions in recent days had helped strengthen the state’s response.
Authorities have continued to call for public vigilance as efforts intensify to curb the spread of the disease across affected communities.