The Executive Secretary of the Borno State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency, Dr. Saleh Abba-Kaza, disclosed the figures in a health advisory released on Saturday in Maiduguri, calling on residents to adopt strict hygiene and sanitation measures to halt further spread of the disease.
Abba-Kaza explained that the outbreak was initially reported on May 1 and officially confirmed three days later, noting that the number of infections has continued to rise in affected communities.
According to him, over 100 fresh cases were recorded in the last 24 hours alone, with Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) emerging as the hardest-hit area, accounting for more than 2,000 infections.
“Jere Local Government Area has recorded over 1,000 cases, while Mafa, Konduga, Monguno, Ngala and Magumeri LGAs have also been affected,” he said.
He revealed that the outbreak has now spread across 36 wards and over 138 communities, placing considerable strain on healthcare facilities and personnel in the state.
The health official linked the rapid spread of the disease to poor sanitation practices, contaminated water sources, and inadequate hygiene conditions in several communities. He also pointed to pollution of pipe-borne water systems and dams, as well as the continued practice of open defecation in some areas.
“With the rainy season already underway, waste materials and human excreta may be washed into residential areas, increasing the risk of transmission,” he warned.
Abba-Kaza urged residents to treat drinking water with chlorine, maintain clean surroundings, dispose of refuse properly and wash their hands regularly with soap, especially before eating and after visiting the toilet.
He further advised residents to seek immediate medical attention whenever symptoms such as severe diarrhoea and vomiting appear, cautioning against self-medication and treatment by unqualified individuals.
“Prompt medical attention can save lives. Suspected cases should be reported immediately, and affected persons evacuated to designated treatment centres,” he said.
While revealing that efforts were underway to secure cholera vaccines for the state, Abba-Kaza stressed that immunisation alone would not be enough without strict adherence to hygiene and sanitation practices.
He praised 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 RUWASSA, among others.
The healthcare expert also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, development agencies and residents to intensify awareness campaigns and support ongoing interventions aimed at containing the outbreak.
“Together, we can protect our communities and stop the spread of cholera. The cooperation of all residents is essential at this critical time,” he said.
