At least 40 people have died while about 3,000 others have been infected following a cholera outbreak in Borno State, amid growing pressure on health facilities in the affected areas.
The Borno State Government had earlier disclosed on Saturday, May 30, that 37 deaths and over 3,000 infections had been recorded. This came just days after an epidemiological update reported 27 deaths and 2,715 infections between May 1 and May 27, 2026.
However, the current death toll is now believed to have risen beyond 40, with families of affected patients alleging that more deaths may be occurring at home due to limited access to treatment.
According to official data, cholera cases have been recorded across Maiduguri, Jere, Mafa, Konduga, Monguno, Ngala, and Magumeri Local Government Areas between May 1 and May 28, 2026.
Health authorities say Maiduguri metropolis accounts for more than half of the total infections, with treatment centres in Maiduguri and neighbouring Jere currently overwhelmed by patients.
Reports indicate that some patients are being treated on bare floors due to overcrowding, while medical personnel struggle to manage the rising number of cases.
A health worker, who spoke anonymously, said the situation has stretched facilities beyond capacity.
“We don’t have the actual number of patients, but on an average, from morning to this time (12:30), we received over 40 cases today. You can see how the facility is overstretched,” the health worker said.
He added that nearly eight local government areas have reported cases, though the majority remain concentrated in Maiduguri and Jere.
The outbreak has raised concerns among residents and health officials over sanitation conditions and access to clean water, as emergency response efforts continue across affected communities.