The Borno State government has confirmed the death of 43 persons from a cholera outbreak in the state. It also said there are 559 new suspected cases.
The Commissioner for Health, Juliana Bitrus said, the outbreak was recorded in seven local government areas – Gwoza, Kaga, Hawul, Magumeri, Damboa, Maiduguri Metropolitan, and Jere.
Also Read: NMA executives issued 21-day strike notice for fear of impeachment – FG
She said 354 cases were recorded in Gwoza with 18 deaths, while Hawul recorded 126 cases with 11 deaths, Kaga recorded 22 cases and two deaths, Magumeri six cases, and one death, and Damboa with 39 cases and 10 deaths, Jere has eight cases with one death while Maiduguri has four cases with no death.
The Commissioner, who confirmed the state did not record any cholera cases in 2019 or 2020. said the state government has directed all rapid response teams for disease surveillance and control in the affected LGAs to ensure timely response to all suspected cases.
She urged the public to take precautionary measures by observing strict hygiene and advised residents to treat drinking water with aqua tablets or by chlorination and ensure that all those who died from the disease are buried in line with IPC protocols.
Editor: Oloyede Oworu