Death toll in Borno cholera outbreak hits 61

The Borno state ministry of health says it had recorded 5,281 suspected cases of cholera as at October 31.

According to a daily situation report by the ministry, there have been a total of 61 deaths so far with the highest recorded in Jere local government. In September, the death toll stood at 44.

“Total number of suspected cases of cholera reported stands at 5281, with 61 deaths (CFR = 1.2%).

“2651 cases in the Muna corridor (Jere LGA), 736 cases in Dikwa, 1753 cases in Monguno, cases in MMC and Mafa stands at 58 and 20 respectively. No case recorded from Guzamala (Gworam) today, and the cumulative still stand at 69 cases.”

The report said there have been no reported cases in Dikwa local government for more than two weeks.

At present, the affected local governments are Jere, Mafa, Dikwa, Monguno, Guzamala and Maiduguri local government.

“Active case search continues in hot spots and high-risk areas. Three new cases found during community case search in Jere LGA.

“Gwaram, Guzamala LGA: Active case search and health promotion by the LGA RRT and WHO Hard-To-Reach team still ongoing.
Priority locations identified and communicated to WASH and risk communication teams for priority intervention in Jere LGA: Dusunma (two cases), Munguno (three cases).”

According to the World Health Organisation, cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium, Vibrio cholerae. It causes severe acute watery diarrhoea in victims and can lead to death if left untreated.

“Two rounds of OCV campaign in identified five priority hard to reach LGAs (Bama, Kala-Balge, Gwoza, Mobbar and Ngala) which are areas at-risk of cholera outbreak are planned. MOH to conduct OCV in Bama and MSF to support OCV in the other four LGAs

“Second round of oral cholera vaccination (OCV) campaign also being finalized for the 6 LGAs where the last OCV campaign was previously conducted.

“Preparation for all planned OCV campaigns is in the final stages: Microplanning has been finalized, tentative date for the OCV campaigns is November 11-15, 2017.”