Borno State has reported 274 new suspected cholera cases in the last 24 hours. The outbreak is spreading in different communities, and over 40 people have died in the past month.
Dr. Jacob Audu Thliza, who manages the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre in the state’s Ministry of Health, shared this information on Tuesday. He spoke during a meeting in Maiduguri about how to prevent and manage acute watery diarrhea and cholera.
The cholera outbreak has affected over 3,000 people in 139 communities across seven local government areas in Borno State.
According to government estimates, this outbreak happened in Maiduguri, Jere, Mafa, Konduga, Monguno, Ngala, and Magumeri between May 1 and May 28, 2026. However, families of cholera patients told Daily Trust that the actual cases might be higher. They said many patients are still dying at home without being counted.
At Tuesday’s meeting, Thliza presented the Cholera Epidemiological Summary. From May 1 to June, a total of 4,204 suspected cholera cases were recorded at the Cholera Treatment Center (CTC) and Oral Rehydration Point (ORP) across the state.
Out of these cases, Jere local government area had 1,214; Bama 8; Kaga 18; Mafa 184; Kwayakusar 8; Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) 2,404; Konduga 275; Monguno 90; Magumeri 1; and Ngala 2.
He also reported that 39 people have died, while 2,664 have been discharged from treatment. A total of 118 settlements and 21 communities have been affected by the disease.
Dr. Shettima Maina Mohammed, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Human Services, said the death rate has fallen to below 1 percent. This is thanks to aggressive response efforts, such as treating active cases, health promotion campaigns, and community awareness programs.
He mentioned that health workers, volunteers, and emergency teams have been sent to the affected areas. They are also distributing hygiene materials like soap, disinfectants, and chlorine to help stop the spread.
Maiduguri metropolis is the worst-hit area, accounting for over half of all cases. A visit by our reporter to cholera treatment centers in Maiduguri and Jere showed that health facilities are overwhelmed. Many patients are receiving care on bare floors due to lack of space. Emergency tents are also full, with many women and children among the patients.
Medical staff were seen giving urgent treatment, while family members helped hold intravenous drips for patients who are severely dehydrated.
Dr. Tijjani Ammani, a medical expert, explained that cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae. It leads to severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, and quick dehydration. He warned that if cholera is not treated, it can cause shock and death very fast.
He also pointed out that the disease spreads mainly through contaminated food and water. Poor sanitation, overcrowding, and unsafe waste disposal are making the situation worse.
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