A cholera outbreak has emerged in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno state, already grappling with devastating floods that have displaced nearly 2 million people, an official said on Friday.
The region, which has been the epicentre of a 15-year Islamist insurgency, has seen its strained sanitation facilities and water sources pushed to the brink by the floods.
Borno Health Commissioner Baba Mallam Gana confirmed that 17 cholera cases had been detected, although no deaths have been reported.
“We are, however, seeing an increase in Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD) cases, which is likely linked to the flood’s impact,” Gana said during a press briefing.
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According to Gana, almost 500 AWD cases have been recorded, with five local government areas hardest hit by the outbreak. The flooding began after heavy rains caused a dam to overflow, forcing millions from their homes and severely damaging health infrastructure.
In response to the cholera threat, Borno has received 300,000 doses of oral cholera vaccines (OCV) from the federal health ministry.
These have been distributed across camps for displaced persons and flood-affected communities.
The state is also awaiting an additional 600,000 vaccine doses to ensure comprehensive coverage, Gana added.
Borno state has a long history of battling cholera, and the recent floods have exacerbated existing vulnerabilities, heightening the risk of further outbreaks as health facilities struggle to cope with the dual crises of displacement and waterborne diseases.
