A suspected cholera outbreak has been reported in Shehuri North, a community under the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC), resulting in the death of one person and prompting urgent intervention by local authorities.
The incident occurred around 1:00 p.m. when a victim showing severe symptoms, including vomiting and acute diarrhoea, reportedly died while being rushed to the hospital.
Preliminary findings suggest that contaminated water from local dams may have triggered the outbreak.
In swift response, the MMC Chairman, Ali Umar Bolori, visited the affected area, alongside the Shehuri North Councillor, Ibrahim Bunu Mustapha, and his aide, Babagana Ajas, to assess the situation firsthand.
As part of immediate containment measures, the council chairman ordered the closure of all dams in the area to prevent further exposure to suspected contaminated water sources.
Health officials have since commenced water treatment exercises using chlorine, while residents have been advised to avoid using dam water until it is certified safe.
Authorities also disclosed that plans are underway to carry out urgent repair works on the affected water facilities.
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Bolori urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with health officials, stressing the importance of reporting unsafe water sources and other environmental hazards promptly to curb further spread.
He noted that community participation remains critical in safeguarding public health and preventing future outbreaks.
Meanwhile, the MMC Local Immunization Officer, Mustapha Kachallah, and his team have disinfected five affected households, focusing on sanitation areas including toilets and drainage systems.
The exercise is expected to continue across more homes in the community.
Emergency response measures have also been activated, including the deployment of an ambulance service and provision of contact numbers to facilitate quick transportation of suspected cases to Brigadier Abba Kyari Hospital.
Health authorities have assured residents that coordinated efforts are ongoing to contain the outbreak and prevent further loss of lives.
