No fewer than 13 people have died from a cholera outbreak in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, while 534 others have recovered and been discharged after receiving treatment between May and July 21, health authorities have said.
The Director of Primary Health Care in Biu LGA, Alhaji Usman Audu, disclosed that 621 cholera patients were admitted during the period, with 74 still receiving treatment.
He said that 74 patients still on admission represent 11.92 per cent of the total cases, while those discharged account for 85.99 per cent and the 13 deaths represent 2.09 per cent of all recorded cases.
Speaking in an interview on Friday in Biu, Audu said 373 patients were admitted to the General Hospital in Biu, where six deaths were recorded.
He added that the remaining 248 patients were treated across the 16 primary healthcare centres in the local government area, where seven additional deaths were reported.
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According to him, the outbreak has begun to subside due to the proactive response of the Borno State Government through the Ministry of Health, alongside support from the Chairman of Biu Local Government Area, Alhaji Sule Abubakar.
Audu said the council chairman provided critical medical and sanitation supplies to strengthen the cholera response, including chlorine, Oral Rehydration Solution, knapsack sprayers, doxycycline capsules, soap and hand sanitizers.
He urged residents to report suspected cholera cases promptly to the nearest health facility, stressing that treatment remains free.
Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. The disease can spread rapidly in communities with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water, but early treatment with oral rehydration therapy and antibiotics in severe cases significantly reduces the risk of death.
Health experts continue to advise residents to maintain good hygiene by washing hands regularly with soap, drinking safe water, properly disposing of waste and seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms such as severe diarrhoea and vomiting develop.
NAN
