The Borno State Government has raised concerns over a cholera outbreak that has infected more than 3,000 people and claimed 37 lives across seven local government areas of the state in May 2026.

The Executive Secretary of the Borno State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency, Saleh Abba-Kaza, disclosed this on Saturday in Maiduguri while issuing a public health alert and urging residents to adopt preventive measures to contain the disease.

According to him, the outbreak was first reported on May 1 and officially confirmed on May 4 as infections continued to spread across affected communities.

Abba-Kaza said more than 100 new cases were recorded within the last 24 hours, with Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) accounting for the highest number of infections, recording over 2,000 cases.

He added that Jere Local Government Area had reported more than 1,000 cases, while Mafa, Konduga, Monguno, Ngala and Magumeri local government areas had also been affected.

The health official noted that the outbreak has spread to 36 wards and more than 138 communities, placing considerable strain on the state’s healthcare system.

He attributed the spread of the disease to poor water, sanitation and hygiene conditions, including contamination of water sources and the continued practice of open defecation in some communities.

Abba-Kaza warned that the ongoing rainy season could worsen the situation by washing waste materials and human excreta into residential areas, thereby increasing the risk of transmission.

He advised residents to chlorinate drinking water, maintain proper sanitation, dispose of waste appropriately and wash their hands regularly with soap, particularly before eating and after using the toilet.

The agency boss also urged people experiencing symptoms such as vomiting and watery diarrhoea to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility, cautioning against self-medication and treatment by unqualified persons.

He stressed that early detection and prompt treatment remain critical to reducing fatalities and preventing further spread of the disease.

Abba-Kaza disclosed that efforts were underway to secure cholera vaccines for the state but emphasised that vaccination should complement, not replace, proper hygiene and sanitation practices.

He commended 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 also called on community leaders, residents and development partners to intensify awareness campaigns and support ongoing interventions aimed at containing the outbreak.

According to him, collective action and community cooperation are essential to stopping the spread of cholera and protecting affected communities.