Borno State has recorded 274 new suspected cholera cases within 24 hours, bringing the total number of infections linked to the outbreak to 4,204 across affected local government areas.

Health authorities said 39 deaths have so far been recorded since the outbreak began.

The Incident Manager of the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, Dr. Jacob Thlizer, disclosed this on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ sensitisation meeting on cholera prevention and case management in Maiduguri.

According to him, the latest cases were reported from 36 wards across the affected areas.

“In the last 24 hours, 274 new suspected cases were recorded, while the total line-listed suspected cases stand at 4,204 from 36 wards in seven local government areas. In total, we now have 39 deaths,” Thlizer said.

The affected local government areas include Jere, Bama, Kaga, Mafa, Kwaya Kusar, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Konduga, Monguno, Magumeri and Ngala.

Thlizer said the state government had activated emergency response measures, including the Incident Management System, intensified public awareness campaigns, collaboration with health partners and the procurement of medical supplies.

He added that treatment and isolation efforts had also been strengthened to curb the spread of the disease.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Borno State Ministry of Health and Human Services, Shettima Muhammad, said dedicated treatment centres had been established, including an Emergency and Infectious Disease Unit in Njimtilo and a cholera treatment camp in Ngarannam with a capacity of more than 1,000 beds.

Muhammad said Governor Babagana Zulum had approved the deployment of drugs and medical consumables to treatment facilities across the state.

Residents were urged to maintain proper hygiene and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms occur.

Earlier, Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani, assured residents that the government was increasing support for health institutions to contain the outbreak.

“In the last three or four days, a lot of efforts have been made, and this sensitisation is also a major step. If there are any gaps anywhere, please let us know so that we can address them,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Benue State Government said it has not recorded any cholera case this year.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, said, “For this year, we are yet to record any case of cholera, although we’re just entering into the season of cholera.”

Benue has historically remained vulnerable to cholera outbreaks due to poor sanitation, inadequate access to clean water and recurring flooding in several communities.