A cholera outbreak in Borno State has killed at least 27 people and left more than 2,700 suspected cases across several local government areas.
An epidemiological report indicates that the outbreak has spread across Jere, Mafa, Konduga, Monguno, Ngala and Magumeri LGAs, with the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council recording the highest number of infections.
Health data shows over 1,500 suspected cases in Maiduguri alone, accounting for more than half of the total reported infections across the state.
Officials say the situation is rapidly escalating, with new suspected cases emerging daily and some treatment centres yet to fully report their figures.
Of the 27 deaths recorded, 11 occurred in communities, while 16 were confirmed in health facilities, raising concerns about delays in accessing treatment and emergency response.
The Case Fatality Rate is currently estimated at one percent, which health authorities say meets the World Health Organisation’s threshold for urgent public health intervention.
Medical workers warn that the outbreak has spread across dozens of wards and over 100 communities, worsening fears of further transmission due to limited sanitation and access to clean water in affected areas.
Some health personnel have also expressed concern over the delay in declaring a full public health emergency and scaling up awareness campaigns to contain the disease.
When contacted, the Director of Public Health at the Borno State Ministry of Health, Dr Goni Imam Ali, said the report did not originate from the ministry and declined further comment.
