A cholera outbreak has claimed at least 37 lives and infected more than 3,000 people across seven Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Borno State within the month of May.
The outbreak, first reported on May 1 and officially confirmed on May 4, has spread across 36 wards and affected more than 138 communities, raising serious concerns among public health officials.
According to Dr. Saleh Abba Kaza, a public health expert and former Commissioner for Health in the state, the situation remains critical, with more than 100 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours alone.
Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) remains the epicentre of the outbreak, accounting for over 2,000 cases, while neighbouring Jere Local Government Area has recorded more than 1,000 infections. Other affected LGAs include Mafa, Konduga, Monguno, Ngala and Magumeri.
Dr. Kaza noted that the outbreak has resulted in a case fatality rate of approximately one per cent, placing significant pressure on the state’s healthcare system and emergency response mechanisms.
He attributed part of the outbreak to poor sanitation practices, contamination of water sources, and open defecation, warning that the onset of the rainy season could further worsen the situation by spreading contaminated waste into residential areas.
“The current situation has overwhelmed our health infrastructure, and immediate collective action is essential to combat the spread of this illness,” he said.
Health authorities have urged residents to adopt strict water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) measures, including chlorination of drinking water, proper waste disposal, regular handwashing, and safe food handling practices.
Residents have also been advised to promptly report symptoms such as severe vomiting and watery diarrhoea to the nearest health facility and avoid seeking treatment from unqualified persons.
The Borno State Ministry of Health is working to make cholera vaccines available in affected communities. However, officials stressed that vaccination alone cannot replace basic preventive measures such as proper hygiene and sanitation.
Dr. Kaza commended the efforts of the Borno State Ministry of Health and key partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Save the Children, RUWASSA, BOSEPA and SEMSAS, for supporting the response to the outbreak.
He called on residents, community leaders and stakeholders to intensify awareness campaigns and support ongoing efforts aimed at containing the disease.
“We must work together to stop the spread of cholera and protect our communities,” he said.
Health officials continue to monitor the situation as response teams intensify surveillance, case management and public sensitisation campaigns across affected areas.
