Borno State is battling a worsening cholera outbreak that has claimed at least 37 lives and infected more than 3,000 people across seven local government areas, health authorities have confirmed.
The Executive Secretary of the Borno State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency, Dr Saleh Kaza, described the situation as a major public health emergency requiring urgent intervention and stronger preventive measures.
He said the outbreak, which began in early May, has spread rapidly between May 1 and May 29 following the confirmation of the first case.
According to him, over 100 new infections were recorded within the last 24 hours alone, indicating a continuing rise in transmission.
He disclosed that Maiduguri Metropolitan Council recorded the highest number of cases with over 2,000 infections, followed by Jere with more than 1,000 cases.
Other affected local government areas include Mafa, Konduga, Monguno, Ngala and Magumeri, with the outbreak spreading across 138 communities.
Dr Kaza noted that the disease has recorded a case fatality rate of about 1 per cent, warning that the situation has placed significant pressure on the state’s healthcare system.
He called for immediate improvements in sanitation, water safety and hygiene practices, stressing that poor waste disposal and open defecation were accelerating the spread of the disease.
He also warned that the rainy season could worsen contamination as waste is washed into residential areas, increasing the risk of infection.
Residents were advised to maintain proper handwashing habits, ensure safe food handling, dispose of waste properly and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as vomiting and frequent watery stools.
He added that plans were underway to introduce cholera vaccination in the state, while emphasizing that immunisation must be complemented with proper hygiene practices to be effective.
Dr Kaza commended the Borno State Ministry of Health and development partners including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and Médecins Sans Frontières for supporting response efforts.
Health officials continue to monitor the outbreak as authorities intensify efforts to contain further spread across affected communities.