By Barbara Nwaiwu
The Borno State Government has raised alarm over a cholera outbreak that has killed 37 people and infected more than 3,000 others across seven local government areas of the state within the month of May.
The Executive Secretary of the Borno State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency, Dr Saleh Abba-Kaza, disclosed this in a public health advisory issued on Saturday in Maiduguri, warning that the outbreak has become a major public health emergency.
According to Abba-Kaza, the outbreak was first reported on May 1 and confirmed on May 4, with the number of infections continuing to rise across affected communities.
He said more than 100 new cases had been recorded within the last 24 hours, adding that the outbreak had spread across 36 wards and over 138 communities in the state.
Abba-Kaza identified Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) as the epicentre of the outbreak, with more than 2,000 reported cases, while neighbouring Jere Local Government Area had recorded over 1,000 infections.
Other affected local government areas include Mafa, Konduga, Monguno, Ngala and Magumeri.
“Following the first incident report on May 1 and confirmation on May 4, 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 seven local government areas within the month of May,” he said.
“In the last 24 hours, over 100 cases were reported… Maiduguri Metropolitan Council has the highest incidence, recording more than 2,000 cases, followed by Jere with over 1,000,” he added.
The healthcare official said the outbreak had placed enormous pressure on health facilities across the state, noting that the growing number of cases had stretched available healthcare resources and emergency response efforts.
He attributed the spread of the disease to poor water, sanitation and hygiene conditions, including contamination of water sources and 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 the risk of transmission,” he warned.
Abba-Kaza urged residents to strengthen Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) practices by chlorinating drinking water, maintaining proper sanitation, disposing of waste appropriately and washing hands regularly with soap.
“To protect our communities, we urge enhanced Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) practices.
Contamination of pipe-borne water and dams has been detected. Chlorination of water is very important,” he said.
“Open defecation remains a serious risk. With the rainy season upon us, waste can be washed back into our living areas, thereby spreading the disease,” he warned.
He also advised residents to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as severe vomiting or watery diarrhoea, warning against self-medication and treatment by unqualified persons.
“Prompt medical attention can save lives. Suspected cases should be reported immediately, and affected persons evacuated to designated treatment centres,” he said.
Abba-Kaza disclosed that the state government was working with partners to secure cholera vaccines for affected communities but stressed that vaccination alone could not replace basic hygiene and sanitation measures.
He commended the efforts of the Borno State Ministry of Health and development partners, including the World Health Organization, UNICEF, Médecins Sans Frontières, Save the Children, RUWASSA, BOSEPA and SEMSAS for supporting response activities across the state.
Calling for collective action, the healthcare expert urged community leaders, development partners and residents to intensify awareness campaigns and support ongoing efforts 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 said.
