ABUJA: A cholera outbreak has emerged in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno state, which is already struggling with the aftermath of floods that have displaced nearly 2 million people, an official reported on Friday.
Cholera outbreaks are common in Borno, the epicenter of a 15-year Islamist insurgency that has forced thousands into overcrowded camps, straining sanitation facilities and access to clean water.
Borno Health Commissioner Baba Mallam Gana informed reporters that 17 confirmed cholera cases have been identified, with no reported deaths so far. “We are, however, seeing a rising number of Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD) cases, which are likely linked to the flood devastation,” Gana stated.
He noted that nearly 500 cases of AWD have been recorded, primarily in five affected local government areas. Flooding in Borno was triggered by a dam overflow due to heavy rainfall, resulting in widespread displacement and damage to health facilities and infrastructure.
To address the outbreak, the state has received 300,000 doses of oral cholera vaccine (OCV) from the federal health ministry, which have been distributed in displacement camps and flood-affected communities. Gana added that they are expecting an additional 600,000 vaccine doses to ensure comprehensive coverage.
