*Records 451 cases, tests 148 samples, results shows 20 RDT negative, 128 RDT positive, 17 culture Positive for Vibrio Cholera
*Receives 300,000 doses of OCV, expecting additional 600,000
By; SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri
Borno State Government has declared an outbreak of cholera in the state following the collapse of Alau Dam in Konduga LGA in which
Maiduguri and environs were heavily flooded leading to displacement of about two million people, destruction of health facilities, lives and property, disruption of supply of potable water and power.
The Borno State Commissioner of Health and Human Services, Professor Baba Malam Gana on Friday during an emergency meeting with government stakeholders and health partners at the EOC Center Maiduguri said, “I declare cholera outbreak in Borno State.
“By this declaration, under One Borno Health Team, we are appealing to all line Ministries, Agencies and Departments (MDA’s), and partners to join hands and provide optimal responses in order to control the current cholera outbreak.
“The media a vital arm of the society is hereby called upon to partner with government and appropriately inform, sensitize, create awareness and educate the public about the dangers of cholera and how to prevent it.
“In the same vein I want to use this opportunity to express our profound appreciations to His
Excellency Prof Babagana Umara Zulum mni, FSNE, CON, GCON (Niger R), for provision of succour to the flood affected communities,” Prof. Gana said.
He added that, “As part of flood intervention responses, Borno State Public Health Emergency Operation Centre (PHEOC) was immediately converted to Command and Control Centre (CCC) to commence responses under modified Pillars; Coordination, Surveillance, Risk Communication and
Community Engagement (RCCE), Essential Health Services, Infection Prevention Control Health Information
(IPC)/Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Logistics and
Management/Data.”.
“As you are aware, since inception of the insurgency in 2009, Borno State being the epicenter, is the worst hit among the BAY States. Coupled with effect of climate change, heavy rainfall this year, and consequent This resulted in accommodating the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Camps,” Prof. Gana said.
He added that In order to minimize the impact of cholera Outbreak, Borno SMOH received 300,000 doses of Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCV) from Federal Ministry of Health, and equitably distributed across IDP Camps and flood affected communities.
The Commissioner further said that the he State is still expecting additional 600,000 doses of OCV. However, we are recording increasing number of Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD)/suspected Cholera which is not unconnected with the flood devastation.
“While Borno State Ministry of Health in collaboration with NCDC, WHO, UNICEF, MSF, ALIMA, IRC and other Partners recorded 451 cases, tested 148 samples, results shows 20 RDT negative, 128 RDT positive, with 17 culture Positive for Vibrio Cholerae, and zero mortality (CFR:0 %). The LGAs mostly affected are MMC, Jere, Konduga, Mafa and Monguno.
“At this stage, I wish to categorically inform the good people of Borno State and the Media that we are having a Cholera Outbreak in Borno State which is highly contagious and can be
transmitted via fecal-oral route with an approximate incubation period of 2-5 days. Risk Factors for Cholera are: Poor sanitation and/or personal hygiene.
“Open defecation Poor food and water storage insufficient potable water supply to the entire populace
High population density – IPD Camps, ceremonies and other congregate settings Seasonal/environmental factors: rainy season/flooding
Poor implementation of Sanitation Laws.
“Lack of Oral Cholera vaccination campaign
Clinical Presentations of Cholera are: Rapid onset and profuse watery diarrhea with or with vomiting The Watery diarrhea is referred to as (rice water stools) Dehydration, shock and death eminent if necessary actions not taken.
“On this note and in line with current development, on behalf of the good people of Borno
State,
”
” The massive infrastructural developments, especially in the Health Sector, employments and approval/allocation of 15% Budget for the Health Sector in 2024″, Prof. Gana said.
