Cholera: Borno records 35 deaths, 3,646 cases in 1 week

Borno State has recorded a sharp rise in cholera cases, with 35 deaths and 3,646 new infections reported within one week, leaving thousands of patients in treatment centres and homes across affected communities. This was contained in data released on Tuesday by the international medical humanitarian organisation, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). According to the data, […]

Borno State has recorded a sharp rise in cholera cases, with 35 deaths and 3,646 new infections reported within one week, leaving thousands of patients in treatment centres and homes across affected communities.

This was contained in data released on Tuesday by the international medical humanitarian organisation, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).

According to the data, between early May and June 9, 2026, the state recorded 74 deaths and 7,850 suspected cholera cases across 12 local government areas.

However, earlier figures released by the Borno State Ministry of Health showed that between May 1 and June 2, 2026, the state had recorded 39 deaths and 4,204 infections in 10 local government areas.

The latest figures indicate that between June 2 and June 9 alone, Borno recorded 35 additional deaths and 3,646 fresh infections, while the disease spread to two more local government areas.

MSF data further showed that more than 500 suspected cholera patients were admitted on June 5 alone, the highest number recorded within a 24-hour period since the outbreak response began.

The organisation also reported an average of 230 admissions daily, highlighting the increasing burden of the disease across the state.

According to the report, the most alarming spikes have been recorded in Maiduguri metropolis, which accounts for more than half of the total cases.

A visit by our correspondent to some affected communities in Maiduguri and Jere local government areas showed that while cases have declined in some cholera hotspots, fresh infections are emerging in other locations.

At Shehuri Budum, Limanti, Shokari and Gamboru communities, residents said fatalities had reduced significantly, with only a few patients still in isolation.

At Budum Kasuwa, a resident, Saidu Mala, whose wife is recovering from the disease, said the situation had improved in the area.

He, however, identified Gwange Bakin Ruwa and Gwaidangari, near the 7-Up area, as the latest hotspots.

“I learnt that many people were infected there and some died. We want the government to act quickly to avoid a relapse here. We suffered greatly before the outbreak was brought under control,” he said.

A senior nurse residing in Shokari, Modu Ngudo, also confirmed that cases had reduced considerably in the community.

“Things began to improve after the state government deployed community health workers to fumigate drainages, homes and water points,” he said.

Some residents, however, expressed concern that symptoms sometimes reappear after treatment.

One patient, Zainab Ibrahim, said her condition deteriorated after she was discharged, forcing her to return to a Cholera Treatment Centre (CTC).

“I thank God for keeping me alive, but I never thought I would survive it a second time,” she said.

When contacted, the Field Communication Coordinator of MSF, Mr Paul Odongo, said the organisation would not grant journalists access to the Cholera Treatment Centres at Ngaranam.

He explained that health workers and field officers were overwhelmed by the increasing number of patients.

“Many journalists have made similar requests. Please rely on the press releases we have issued. I will provide updates whenever they become available,” he said.

 

Govt seals dams, reservoirs in affected communities

Meanwhile, acting on the directive of the Secretary to the Borno State Government (SSG), Bukar Tijjani, relevant authorities have sealed several dams and reservoirs in communities identified as cholera hotspots.

The SSG had directed the Ministry of Water Resources, RUWASSA and BOSEPA to investigate the root causes of the outbreak and take urgent action.

“The government has taken measures to control the situation. They sealed the dams and reservoirs and now supply water through tankers. We are already seeing positive results,” Saidu Mala said.

 

Survivors complain of lingering effects

Meanwhile, some survivors report physical and psychological challenges after recovery.

Some patients who spoke with Daily Trust said they continue to experience fatigue, mental fog and persistent back pain after treatment.

One survivor, Gumsu Sadu, said that although she had recovered from cholera, she still experiences dizziness and pain around her ribs.

“It started with stomach pain. Later, I began vomiting and had diarrhoea. Within two hours, I became disoriented.

“I was admitted to a Cholera Treatment Centre and eventually recovered, but I still experience mental fog and pain around my ribs,” she said.

A Consultant Clinical Microbiologist and outbreak response specialist, Dr Yakubu Mohammed El-Yakub, said efforts were currently focused on managing cases and preventing further spread of the disease.

“Although disease detectives are expected to investigate the source of outbreaks, our immediate priority is to manage cases and stop escalation to other parts of the state,” he said.

El-Yakub noted that the outbreak began before the peak of the rainy season, which is usually the period when cholera cases surge.

“It took both communities and healthcare workers by surprise because it occurred during the preparedness period,” he said.

He said several factors may be contributing to the outbreak, including poor sanitation, lack of potable water, inadequate public awareness and the resurgence of insecurity.

He said Governor Babagana Umara Zulum had ordered the immediate activation of the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to coordinate the response.

He added that the state government and its partners had provided drugs and medical consumables free of charge at the seven designated cholera treatment centres across the state.

“The State Emergency Medical Ambulance Services has also been providing round-the-clock transportation for patients to treatment centres,” he said.

El-Yakub, who is also Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Borno State chapter, urged residents to maintain proper hygiene, observe infection prevention measures and promptly take suspected cases to treatment centres instead of resorting to self-medication.