MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — Health authorities in Borno State say a cholera outbreak has infected more than 3,000 people and killed at least 37 since early May, raising alarm over water safety and sanitation in the region.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) first reported cases in Maiduguri, the state capital, before the disease spread rapidly to surrounding communities. Dr. Saleh Abba Kaza, Executive Secretary of the Borno State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency, confirmed the updated toll, noting that the outbreak has affected 36 wards across seven local government areas.
“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,” Kaza said in a weekend advisory. He added that Maiduguri Metropolitan Council recorded more than 2,000 cases, making it the hardest-hit area. Other affected communities include Mafa, Konduga, Monguno, Ngala, and Magumeri.
Authorities have evacuated patients for treatment and deployed emergency measures to contain the outbreak. Kaza urged residents to adopt strict Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices, warning that contamination of pipe-borne water and dams has been detected. He emphasized the importance of chlorination, handwashing, and an end to open defecation.
International partners including the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF are supporting the response. Cholera, a potentially deadly waterborne disease caused by bacteria, can trigger sudden watery diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration, leading to death within hours if untreated.
Public health experts say the outbreak highlights Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with sanitation infrastructure. Policy makers have called for urgent investment in clean water systems and community health education. Civil society groups warned that without stronger preventive measures, cholera could spread further during the rainy season.
On social media, Nigerians expressed concern and frustration. Hashtags such as #StopCholera, #SaveBorno, and #CleanWaterNow trended on X (formerly Twitter). One user wrote: “It’s heartbreaking that in 2026, people are still dying from cholera in Nigeria.” Another posted: “Government must act fast — water safety is a right, not a privilege.”
The outbreak has become a test of Borno’s health system resilience, with stakeholders urging coordinated action to prevent further loss of life and restore confidence in public health safeguards.
