Borno State is grappling with a major cholera outbreak that has infected more than 3,000 people and claimed 37 lives within a month, health authorities have confirmed.
According to data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the first case was detected in Maiduguri, the state capital, in early May before the disease spread to several surrounding communities.
The Executive Secretary of the Borno State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (BOSCHMA), Dr. Saleh Abba Kaza, disclosed that 37 people have died from the outbreak, while over 3,000 suspected cases have been recorded across the state. The latest figure represents an increase from the 27 deaths earlier reported by the NCDC between May 1 and May 25.
Describing the situation as a serious public health emergency, Kaza said the outbreak has affected 36 wards across seven local government areas. He noted that more than 100 new cases were reported over the last weekend alone.
Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) remains the hardest-hit area, accounting for over 2,000 of the reported cases. Other affected communities include Mafa, Konduga, Monguno, Ngala and Magumeri.
Kaza said the state government has intensified response efforts by evacuating infected persons for treatment and deploying containment measures to curb further spread of the disease.
He urged residents to observe proper Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) practices, warning that contamination of water sources, including pipe-borne water and dams, has been detected in several communities. He stressed the importance of water chlorination and safe drinking water.
The BOSCHMA boss also advised residents to avoid open defecation, maintain regular handwashing habits and ensure proper waste disposal to reduce the risk of infection.
He commended development partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), for supporting the state’s response efforts.