Health Emergency in Borno: Over 3,000 Cholera Cases Recorded Across Seven LGAs

By Our Correspondent

Health authorities in Borno State have expressed concern over a worsening cholera outbreak that has infected more than 3,000 people and resulted in at least 37 deaths within less than a month.

Officials said the outbreak is placing significant strain on the state’s healthcare system.
The disease, which has spread across 36 wards in seven local government areas, was first reported on May 1 and officially confirmed on May 4. Since then, infections have continued to increase, with over 100 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours alone.
The Executive Secretary of the Borno State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency, Dr. Saleh Kaza, described the outbreak as a serious public health emergency that requires immediate action from both residents and health authorities.
“Following the first incident report on the 1st of May and confirmation on the 4th of May, it is confirmed that we are facing a serious health crisis as a devastating cholera outbreak has struck Borno, with over 3,000 reported cases and 37 tragic deaths across 36 wards in 7 local government areas (LGAs) within May,” he said.
Kaza disclosed that the highest number of infections has been recorded in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, with more than 2,000 cases, while neighbouring Jere Local Government Area has reported over 1,000 infections.
Other affected councils include Mafa, Konduga, Monguno, Ngala and Magumeri, with the outbreak impacting more than 138 communities.
“The current situation, with a concerning 1% case fatality rate, has overwhelmed our health infrastructure, and immediate collective action is essential to combat the spread of this illness,” he added.
Health officials warned that worsening rainfall and poor sanitation practices, including open defecation and indiscriminate waste disposal, are contributing to the rapid spread of the disease.
“Please ensure proper waste disposal to prevent contamination. With the rainy season upon us, open waste from open defecation and refuse may be washed back into our living areas, thereby spreading the disease,” Kaza cautioned.
He urged residents to maintain strict hygiene standards by washing their hands regularly, handling food properly, consuming safe drinking water, and seeking prompt medical attention if symptoms such as vomiting and watery diarrhoea occur.
Although plans are underway to commence cholera vaccination in affected communities, Kaza stressed that vaccination alone will not end the outbreak without improved sanitation and hygiene practices.
The agency also acknowledged the support being provided by the Borno State Ministry of Health and development partners, including the World Health Organization, UNICEF and Médecins Sans Frontières, in tackling the outbreak.