The Borno government has raised an alarm over a cholera outbreak that has infected over 3,000 people and claimed 37 lives across seven local government areas in the state within May.
Dr. Saleh Abba-Kaza, Executive Secretary of the Borno State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency, disclosed this in a public health advisory issued on Saturday in Maiduguri. He urged residents to take urgent preventive measures to curb the spread of the disease.
According to him, the outbreak was first reported on May 1 and confirmed on May 4, with cases continuing to rise in affected communities.
He stated that more than 100 new cases were recorded in the last 24 hours, with Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) remaining the epicenter, reporting over 2,000 cases.
“Jere Local Government Area has recorded over 1,000 cases, while Mafa, Konduga, Monguno, Ngala, and Magumeri LGAs are also affected,” he said.
Abba-Kaza noted that the outbreak has spread to 36 wards and more than 138 communities, stressing that the healthcare system is under significant pressure due to the rising number of cases.
He attributed the outbreak largely to poor water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions, including contamination of pipe-borne water sources and dams, as well as the continued practice of open defecation in some communities.
“With the rainy season already underway, waste materials and human excreta may be washed into residential areas, increasing transmission risks,” he warned.
He urged residents to chlorinate drinking water, practice proper sanitation, dispose of waste appropriately, and wash hands regularly with soap, especially before meals and after using the toilet.
The public health official also called for early reporting of symptoms such as vomiting and watery diarrhea to the nearest healthcare facility, warning against self-medication or treatment by unqualified persons.
“Prompt medical attention can save lives. Suspected cases should be reported immediately, and affected persons evacuated to designated treatment centers,” he said.
Abba-Kaza added that the state government is working to secure cholera vaccines but emphasized that vaccination alone cannot replace adherence to proper water, sanitation, and hygiene practices.
He commended the efforts of the Borno State Ministry of Health and its partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Save the Children, RUWASSA, and others.
He called on community leaders, development partners, and residents to intensify awareness campaigns and support ongoing interventions to contain the outbreak.
“Together, we can protect our communities and stop the spread of cholera. The cooperation of all residents is essential at this critical time,” he urged.
