Over 3,000 cholera cases recorded in Borno, Yobe
Barely two weeks after Borno State declared cholera outbreak, neighbouring Yobe State has also declared its own epidemic of cholera.
At least 3,126 cases have been recorded across both states-and 97 people have died.
A total 989 infections recorded across five local government areas of Yobe are thought to be cholera. Sixty-one deaths have been reported there by September 20, according to the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
The UN agency said lack of communication networks and poor accessibility to some affected local government areas remained a problem, especially in Gulani and Gujba.
“Health partners and community mobilisers have visited thousands of households in both states in recent days as part of the active case search, to encourage individuals with cholera-like symptoms to be screened,” it said.
The group Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has set up a 34-bed centre to treat cholera at the General Hospital in Damaturu. The centre could expand by another 50 beds, the group said.
Another 20-bed treatment centre is sited in Damagun, with an additional 10 points for oral rehydration across Damaturu and Shanka wards of Fune council area.
The group said it is working with the state health ministry and other nongovernment organisations to identify additional areas of response to meet the needs of local communities.
Over the last two months, Borno state has been receiving heavy amounts of rainfall, which created the ideal circumstances for cholera to spread.