Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Health authorities in Borno State have raised the alarm over a worsening cholera outbreak that has infected more than 3,000 people and claimed at least 37 lives in less than a month.
State officials have warned that the situation is placing significant pressure on the state’s healthcare system.
The outbreak, which has spread across 36 wards in seven local government areas, was first reported on May 1 and later confirmed on May 4.
Since then, cases have continued to rise, with more than 100 new infections recorded within the last 24 hours alone.
Executive Secretary of the Borno State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency, Dr. Saleh Kaza, described the outbreak as a major public health emergency requiring urgent intervention from 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.
According to Kaza, the highest number of infections has been recorded in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, which accounts for 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.
As the rainy season intensifies, health officials warned that poor sanitation practices, particularly 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 observe strict hygiene measures, including regular handwashing, proper food handling, safe water consumption and immediate medical attention for symptoms such as vomiting and watery diarrhoea.
While plans are underway to begin cholera vaccination in affected communities, Kaza stressed that immunisation alone would not stop the outbreak without improved sanitation and hygiene practices.
The health agency also acknowledged the support of the Borno State Ministry of Health and development partners, including the World Health Organization, UNICEF and Médecins Sans Frontières, among others, in responding to the outbreak.
