Borno State Reports 2,715 Suspected Cholera Cases and 27 Deaths in May

Borno State recorded 2,715 suspected cholera cases and 27 deaths across five local government areas in the first 24 days of May, according to an epidemiological summary obtained by Premium Times. The Maiduguri Metropolitan Council reported 1,568 suspected cases. Jere recorded 834 cases, Mafa 159, Konduga 95, Monguno 56, Ngala 2, and Magumeri 1.

The cases span 29 wards and 124 communities.

Of the 27 deaths, 11 occurred in communities and 16 in health facilities, producing a case fatality rate of one percent. Laboratory testing identified 35 rapid diagnostic test positive cases and 14 confirmed cases through the National Reference Laboratory.

State health authorities and humanitarian partners are mobilizing resources to strengthen water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions and equip treatment centers. Health workers expressed concern that the state government has not issued a public alert or declared an emergency.

An unnamed health worker said the government should hold a press conference so residents can take protective measures. Attempts to reach Borno State Commissioner for Health and Human Services Baba Malam Gana were unsuccessful. Cholera spreads through contaminated food or water and is preventable with oral rehydration therapy and antibiotics in severe cases.

Nigeria experiences recurring outbreaks, especially during the rainy season.