The Borno State Government has raised alarm over a worsening cholera outbreak that has claimed 37 lives and infected more than 3,000 people across seven local government areas since early May.
Dr Saleh Abba-Kaza, Executive Secretary of the Borno State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency, issued a public health advisory on Saturday in Maiduguri, urging immediate preventive action.
The outbreak was first reported on May 1 and confirmed three days later, with cases continuing to surge. More than 100 new infections were recorded in the past 24 hours alone.
The Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) remains the epicentre, accounting for over 2,000 cases, while Jere Local Government Area has recorded more than 1,000. Other affected LGAs include Mafa, Konduga, Monguno, Ngala and Magumeri.
According to Dr Abba-Kaza, the disease has spread to 36 wards and over 138 communities, placing significant strain on the state’s healthcare system.
He attributed the outbreak to poor water, sanitation and hygiene conditions, including contamination of pipe-borne water and dams, alongside persistent open defecation. “With the rainy season underway, waste and human excreta may be washed into residential areas, raising transmission risks,” he warned.
Residents were advised to chlorinate drinking water, practise proper sanitation, dispose of waste safely, and wash hands regularly with soap, especially before meals and after using the toilet.
Symptoms such as vomiting and watery diarrhoea should be reported immediately to the nearest health facility. “Self-medication or treatment by unqualified persons is dangerous. Prompt medical attention saves lives,” Dr Abba-Kaza said.
The state government is working to secure cholera vaccines, though officials stressed that vaccination alone cannot replace good hygiene practices.
Dr Abba-Kaza commended response efforts by the Borno State Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Save the Children, and RUWASSA. He called on community leaders, development partners and residents to intensify awareness campaigns.
“Together, we can protect our communities and stop the spread of cholera. The cooperation of all residents is essential at this critical time,” he said.