Borno records new cases of cholera in Dikwa, Bama IDP Camps

BY ABDULLAHI ISAH, MAIDUGURI

As the cholera outbreak continues to wreck havoc in Borno, new cases of cholera outbreak have been recorded in Dikwa and Bama Internally Displaced Persons  (IDPs) camps in Borno state, and many IDPs have been hospitalized.

Over 20 persons have died with many hospitalized in the Muna IDP camp and Dala Lawanti treatment centre in Maiduguri in the last one week.

A medical source who does not want his name in print told our Correspondent in Maiduguri Friday that “at the Muna IDP camp 40 new cases were recorded among whom were three of those that were discharged earlier but brought back.”

He said “despite the efforts of a combined medical team, staff of Borno State Environmental Protection Agency (BOSERPA) and the Ministry of Water Resources, we have recorded 40 new cases in Muna IDP camp.

“We also received report that cholera  also broke out in Dikwa IDP camp, where we went and established a 30 bed treatment centre, but on the arrival of the Commissioner for Health to the IDP camp in Dikwa, he ordered 40 new beds,” the source added.

He further stated that the outbreak has also spread to Bama IDP camps, where several cases were also reported to have been recorded, stressing that the cholera outbreak is frightening, as it has exceeded 10 days, which according to him, medical experts have said it is dangerous for the outbreak to exceed10 days because it will consume more lives.

Confirming the incident, the Borno state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Haruna Mshelia said “yes we had cases of cholera in Dikwa IDP camp. I personally went to Dikwa and we are on top of the situation, as we have established treatment centre at the camp but there was no case of cholera in Bama IDP camp.”

When asked whether there is a new case in Muna IDP camp, the commissioner said the issue of cholera treatment is gradual, as the cases will continue to come down, as corrective measures are being taken to control its spread.