Borno Cholera outbreak claims 37 lives and infects over 3,000 people across seven local government areas in May

The Borno State Government has confirmed that at least 37 people have died in a cholera outbreak that has infected more than 3,000 residents across seven local government areas of the state in May.

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The disclosure was made on Saturday by the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency, Dr Saleh Kaza, who described the situation as a serious public health emergency requiring urgent intervention.

According to Kaza, the outbreak was first reported on May 1 and officially confirmed on May 4, with infections rapidly spreading across multiple communities.

“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 within May,” he said.

The Borno Cholera Outbreak has affected 36 wards and more than 138 communities across the state, placing considerable pressure on healthcare facilities and response teams.

Kaza revealed that more than 100 new cases had been recorded within the last 24 hours alone, highlighting the speed at which the disease continues to spread.

Maiduguri Metropolitan Council recorded the highest number of infections, accounting for more than 2,000 cases, while neighbouring Jere Local Government Area reported over 1,000 cases.

Other affected local government areas include Mafa, Konduga, Monguno, Ngala and Magumeri.

Health authorities said the outbreak currently has a case fatality rate of approximately one per cent, a figure that has raised concerns among public health officials.

Kaza warned that poor sanitation practices, including open defecation and improper waste disposal, were contributing significantly to the spread of the disease, particularly as the rainy season intensifies.

He urged residents to ensure proper disposal of refuse and maintain clean surroundings to reduce the risk of 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,” he said.

The health official also advised residents to wash their hands regularly with soap and clean water, prepare food hygienically and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as vomiting or watery diarrhoea develop.

While revealing that plans were underway to commence cholera vaccination campaigns, Kaza stressed that immunisation alone would not stop transmission without improved hygiene and sanitation practices.

He commended the Borno State Ministry of Health and development partners for supporting response efforts aimed at containing the outbreak.

Among the organisations recognised were the World Health Organization, UNICEF and Médecins Sans Frontières.

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Public health authorities continue to intensify surveillance, treatment and community awareness campaigns as efforts to curb the outbreak gather momentum across the affected areas.