Published By Olukayode Idowu
Borno state government has confirmed the death of 43 persons as a result of suspected cholera outbreak in the state.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday in Maiduguri, the Borno State Commissioner for Health, Mrs Juliana Bitrus said 559 suspected cases have been recorded as at 30th August with 57 admissions in seven local government areas of the state.
According to her, the affected local government areas include: Gwoza, Kaga, Hawul, Magumeri, Damboa, Maiduguri Metropolitan and Jere.
She revealed that Gwoza local government has the highest figure with 354 suspected cases and 18 deaths while Maiduguri metropolis has the least cases of four cases and no recorded death.
The Commissioner while observing that the state has not recorded any cholera case in the last two years, attributed the latest outbreak on open defecation, poor sanitation and hygiene as well as high population density in IDP camps.
She revealed that the state government has activated primary healthcare emergency operation centres, established disease rapid response teams at local government level and strengthen the surveillance system from community to local government to detect suspected cases.
She however advised members of the public to practice regular hand washing before eating and after visiting the toilet, cover food and water properly and stop open defecation.
The Commissioner called on all stakeholders in the health sector to play appropriate roles to contain the situation and minimise loss of lives in the state.