Cholera Outbreak in Borno Kills 74 as Health Officials Race to Contain Spread

 Borno State records 74 cholera deaths with over 1,200 cases reported. Health ministry, WHO ramp up response in IDP camps. See symptoms, prevention tips.

A cholera outbreak in Borno State has claimed 74 lives, with health authorities confirming over 1,200 suspected cases across several local government areas as of this week. 

The Borno State Ministry of Health announced the figures on Monday, noting that most deaths occurred in Internally Displaced Persons, IDP, camps and host communities with limited access to clean water. 

Worst-hit areas named. 

Jere, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Mafa, and Konduga LGAs account for 80% of reported cases, according to the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Baba Mallam Gana. 

“We are seeing a sharp rise due to the rainy season and poor sanitation in some settlements. Our emergency teams are on ground with chlorine tablets, rehydration salts, and antibiotics,” Dr. Gana said during a press briefing in Maiduguri. 

The World Health Organization, WHO, and UNICEF have deployed rapid response teams to support the state. WHO said it delivered 300,000 doses of oral cholera vaccines to Borno last week for a reactive vaccination campaign targeting children and adults in high-risk areas. 

*Why cholera spreads fast in Borno*  

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium _Vibrio cholerae_. Borno’s situation is worsened by three factors: 

1. *Overcrowded IDP camps*: Years of insecurity have forced over 1.6 million people into camps where clean water is scarce. 

2. *Flooding*: Recent heavy rains contaminated water sources and damaged latrines in Jere and MMC. 

3. *Poor hygiene practices*: Open defecation is still reported in some rural communities. 

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, listed Borno among 12 states with active cholera outbreaks in 2026. Nationally, 3,420 suspected cases and 186 deaths have been recorded this year, putting the case fatality rate at 5.4%. 

*Government and NGO response*  

Governor Babagana Zulum has approved the release of ₦150 million for emergency cholera control. The funds will cover free treatment, water trucking to IDP camps, and community sensitization. 

Médecins Sans Frontières, MSF, has set up two cholera treatment centres in Gwange and Muna Garage, with 100-bed capacity each. “Most patients arrive severely dehydrated. If they get here early, oral rehydration solves it. Late cases need IV fluids,” said MSF field coordinator, Dr. Fatima Bukar. 

The Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, RUWASSA, said it has repaired 45 broken boreholes in Konduga and Mafa in the last 7 days. Water vendors are also being trained to chlorinate water at sale points. 

*Symptoms residents should watch for*  

The Borno health ministry urged residents to visit the nearest clinic immediately if they notice: 

- Watery diarrhoea, often described as “rice water” stools 

- Vomiting 

- Rapid dehydration, sunken eyes, dry mouth 

- Muscle cramps 

“Cholera kills within hours if untreated, but treatment is simple and free at government hospitals,” Dr. Gana stressed. 

*How to prevent infection*  

NCDC shared five key tips for Borno residents: 

1. *Drink safe water only*: Boil water or use chlorine tablets. Avoid street sachet water unless NAFDAC-approved. 

2. *Wash hands*: With soap and water after using the toilet and before eating. 

3. *Cook food well*: Especially seafood and vegetables. Eat food while hot. 

4. *Use latrines*: Stop open defecation to prevent water contamination. 

5. *Get vaccinated*: The oral cholera vaccine is available at primary health centres in affected LGAs. 

*What happens next*  

The state expects cases to drop once the vaccination campaign reaches 80% coverage in camps. However, health experts warn that without long-term water and sanitation investment, Borno will remain vulnerable every rainy season. 

WHO’s Nigeria representative, Dr. Walter Mulombo, said, “Emergency response saves lives today. But permanent solutions like reticulated water and proper sewage will stop the next outbreak.” 

For now, surveillance teams are going house-to-house in MMC and Jere for active case search. 

Residents can call the Borno State Emergency line 08000000033-CHOLERA for help or to report suspected cases.