The Borno State Government has declared a cholera outbreak, with 451 cases recorded so far, following severe flooding caused by the collapse of the Alau Dam. The floods have affected Maiduguri and surrounding areas, displacing approximately 2 million people and causing significant damage to health facilities, loss of lives and properties, and disruptions to water and power supplies.
Borno State Commissioner of Health and Human Services, Professor Baba Malam Gana, confirmed the outbreak during an emergency meeting with government stakeholders and health partners at the EOC Center in Maiduguri on Friday, October 4, 2024.
“We are experiencing a cholera outbreak in Borno State, which is highly contagious and spreads through the fecal-oral route, with an incubation period of 2-5 days,” Prof. Gana stated.
He attributed the outbreak to the devastating floods, which have displaced over two million people and severely damaged healthcare infrastructure.
Prof. Gana highlighted that risk factors include poor sanitation, open defecation, inadequate food and water storage, insufficient clean water supply, and high population density, particularly in IDP camps and other crowded areas.
The most affected local government areas include Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Jere, Konduga, Mafa, and Monguno.
Prof. Gana appealed to all relevant ministries, agencies, departments, and partners to collaborate in delivering an effective response to control the outbreak.
He also commended Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for his ongoing efforts, noting the governor’s support for flood-affected communities, infrastructure improvements in the health sector, and the allocation of 15% of the 2024 budget to health.
Prof. Gana emphasised the crucial role of the media in raising public awareness about cholera prevention, urging them to partner with the government in this effort.
