Health authorities in Borno State are battling a worsening cholera outbreak after 274 new suspected cases were recorded within 24 hours. Officials from the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre say the surge has pushed the total number of suspected cases to more than 4,200 since the outbreak began in May.
The data, presented at a stakeholders’ meeting in Maiduguri, shows that Jere and Maiduguri Metropolitan Council remain the worst affected areas, accounting for the majority of infections. Other local government areas, including Konduga, Mafa, Monguno, and several rural communities, have also reported rising case numbers.
Health officials confirm that 39 people have died, while over 2,600 patients have recovered and been discharged from treatment centres. The outbreak has spread across more than 100 settlements, raising concerns over water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions in affected communities.
Authorities say rapid response teams, health workers, and volunteers have been deployed across the 27 local government areas to contain the spread. Preventive materials such as chlorine, disinfectants, and soap are being distributed, while awareness campaigns continue in high-risk communities.
Despite the scale of the outbreak, officials report that the case fatality rate has dropped below one per cent, attributing the improvement to faster treatment, stronger surveillance, and coordinated public health interventions.
