The Borno State government on Saturday, May 30, raised the alarm over a cholera outbreak that infected more than 3,000 persons and claimed 37 lives across 138 communities in seven local government areas of the state.

Executive Secretary of the Borno State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency, Dr Saleh Abba-Kaza, stated this in a public health advisory on Saturday in Maiduguri, the state capital, urging 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 subsequently confirmed on May 4, with cases continuing to rise across affected communities.

He said that more than 100 new cases were recorded within the last 24 hours, while Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) remained the epicentre of the outbreak with over 2,000 reported cases.

“Jere Local Government Area has recorded over 1,000 cases, while Mafa, Konduga, Monguno, Ngala and Magumeri LGAs have also been affected,” he said.

Mr Abba-Kaza noted that the outbreak had spread to 36 wards and more than 138 communities, stressing that the state’s healthcare system was under significant pressure due to the increasing 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 persistence 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 said.

He urged residents to chlorinate drinking water, maintain proper sanitation practices, dispose of waste appropriately and ensure regular handwashing with soap, particularly before meals and after using the toilet.

The public health expert also called for early reporting of symptoms such as vomiting and watery diarrhoea 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 centres,” he said.

Mr Abba-Kaza added that the state government was making efforts to secure cholera vaccines but emphasised that vaccination alone could not replace adherence to proper water, sanitation and hygiene practices.

He commended the Borno State Ministry of Health and its partners for their response efforts, including the World Health Organisation (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.

He stated, “Together, we can protect our communities and stop the spread of cholera. The cooperation of all residents is essential at this critical time.”