By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

Borno State Government has declared an outbreak of cholera with a staggering number of 451 cases recorded so far.

This was disclosed on Friday by Prof. Baba Mallam Gana, the state’s Commissioner for Health during a press conference in Maiduguri.

“We are having a cholera outbreak in Borno State, which is highly contagious and can be transmitted via the fecal-oral route with an approximate incubation period of 2-5 days,” Gana warned.

The commissioner attributed the outbreak to the recent devastating floods that swept through the state, displacing over two million people and destroying critical health infrastructure.

“Risk factors for cholera include poor sanitation and/or personal hygiene, open defecation, poor food and water storage, insufficient potable water supply to the entire populace, high population density, especially in IDP camps, ceremonies, and other congregate settings,” the commissioner explained.

The affected local government areas he said, include Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Jere, Konduga, Mafa, and Monguno.

“I appeal to all line ministries, agencies, departments, and partners to join hands and provide optimal responses to control the current cholera outbreak,” Prof. Gana urged.

Commending Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s efforts, Prof. Gana said, “I want to use this opportunity to express our profound appreciation to His Excellency, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, for providing succour to flood-affected communities, massive infrastructural developments, especially in the health sector, employments, and approval/allocation of 15% budget for the health sector in 2024.”

“The media has a vital role to play in partnering with the government to appropriately inform, sensitize, create awareness, and educate the public about the dangers of cholera and how to prevent it,” Gana emphasized.