Health authorities in Borno State have intensified efforts to contain a cholera outbreak that has infected more than 3,000 people and resulted in 37 deaths across several local government areas within the past month.
The warning was issued by the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency, Dr Saleh Abba-Kaza, in a public health advisory released in Maiduguri.
According to Abba-Kaza, the outbreak was first detected on May 1 and officially confirmed three days later, with infections continuing to rise in affected communities.
He disclosed that over 100 new cases were recorded within the last 24 hours, highlighting the growing pressure on the state’s healthcare system.
The Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) remains the worst-hit area, accounting for more than 2,000 reported cases.
Jere Local Government Area has recorded over 1,000 infections, while cases have also been confirmed in Mafa, Konduga, Monguno, Ngala and Magumeri local government areas.
Abba-Kaza noted that the outbreak has spread across 36 wards and more than 138 communities, raising concerns about further transmission as the rainy season progresses.
He attributed the situation largely to poor sanitation and hygiene practices, including contamination of water sources and the continued practice of open defecation in some areas.
The health official warned that rainfall could worsen the outbreak by washing waste materials and human excreta into residential communities and water sources.
To reduce the risk of infection, he advised residents to treat and chlorinate drinking water, maintain proper sanitation, dispose of waste responsibly and wash their hands regularly with soap and clean water.
He also urged members of the public to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as watery diarrhoea and vomiting occur, stressing that early treatment significantly improves survival chances.
Abba-Kaza cautioned against self-medication and encouraged residents to report suspected cases promptly to designated health facilities for proper management.
He disclosed that efforts were underway to secure cholera vaccines for affected communities but emphasised that vaccination should complement, not replace, good hygiene and sanitation practices.
The agency boss also acknowledged the response efforts of the Borno State Ministry of Health and development partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Save the Children and the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA).
He called on traditional rulers, community leaders, development organisations and residents to support ongoing awareness campaigns and public health interventions aimed at containing the disease.
Abba-Kaza stressed that collective action and strict adherence to preventive measures would be crucial in limiting the spread of cholera and protecting vulnerable communities across the state.