At least 27 people have died following a cholera outbreak in five local government areas of Borno State, with about 2,715 suspected cases recorded within the first 24 days of May 2026.

An official epidemiological summary obtained by journalists showed that the affected LGAs are Jere, Mafa, Konduga, Monguno, Ngala and Magumeri.

According to the report, Jere recorded 834 cases, Mafa 159, Konduga 95, Monguno 56, while Ngala and Magumeri recorded two and one case, respectively.

The Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) remains the epicentre of the outbreak with 1,568 suspected cases, accounting for more than half of the total infections.

The report described the situation as rapidly escalating, with hundreds of new suspected cases recorded within a 24-hour period.

Medical officials warned that the figure of 2,715 cases may be higher as data from some Cholera Treatment Centres (CTCs) and Oral Rehydration Points (ORPs) have yet to be fully captured.

The outbreak has reportedly spread across 29 wards and 124 communities in the state.

Of the 27 deaths recorded, 11 occurred within communities, raising concerns over poor access to healthcare and delayed emergency response, while 16 deaths were recorded in health facilities.

The Case Fatality Rate (CFR) currently stands at one percent, meeting the World Health Organisation’s emergency threshold for urgent intervention.

Health workers, especially those in the non-governmental sector, expressed concern over the delay by the state government in declaring a public health emergency and launching a large-scale awareness campaign.

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. (Daily Trust)

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