Borno State in north-east Nigeria is currently battling a serious cholera outbreak that has already led to 37 confirmed deaths and more than 3,000 recorded cases within the month of May.

According to the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency, Dr Saleh Kaza, the outbreak started after the first infection was confirmed earlier in the month, with official tracking beginning from May 1 to May 29.

The situation has been described as a major public health emergency, as the disease has spread rapidly across seven local government areas, affecting over 36 wards and more than 138 communities.Maiduguri Metropolitan Council has been the hardest hit, recording over 2,000 cases, while Jere LGA follows with more than 1,000 cases.Other affected areas include Mafa, Konduga, Monguno, Ngala, and Magumeri.

Authorities also noted that more than 100 new cases were reported within a single 24-hour period, showing that the outbreak is still actively spreading.

The case fatality rate is estimated at about 1%, which health officials say is concerning given the strain on already stretched health facilities in the state.

Dr Kaza warned that poor sanitation practices, including open defecation and improper waste disposal, are worsening the spread of the disease, especially with the rainy season increasing the risk of contamination of water sources.

Residents have been advised to observe strict hygiene practices, including proper handwashing, safe food handling, and prompt reporting of symptoms like vomiting and watery stools to health facilities.

Plans are also ongoing to introduce cholera vaccination campaigns, but authorities stressed that vaccination alone is not enough without proper environmental hygiene.The state government is working with partners like WHO, UNICEF, and Médecins Sans Frontières to control the outbreak and reduce further spread.