At least 198 people have died while more than 35,000 suspected cholera infections have been recorded in Borno State since the outbreak began in May 2026.
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists in Maiduguri on Wednesday, noting that the escalating outbreak has placed enormous pressure on the state’s healthcare system despite ongoing interventions by humanitarian organisations and the Borno State Government.
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According to MSF, the organisation is currently operating two Cholera Treatment Centres (CTCs), five Cholera Treatment Units (CTUs) and 17 Oral Rehydration Points across affected communities. The facilities provide specialised inpatient care for patients with severe symptoms while ensuring that basic treatment is available closer to communities experiencing the outbreak.
The organisation said figures from the Borno State Ministry of Health showed that as of July 12, more than 35,500 suspected cholera cases and 198 related deaths had been recorded across the state.
MSF explained that cholera is a highly infectious bacterial disease transmitted through contaminated food or water. It causes severe diarrhoea and dehydration and can become fatal within a short period if patients do not receive urgent medical treatment.
MSF Project Medical Coordinator in Maiduguri, Bienfait Tombola, said the organisation had treated over 24,000 suspected cholera patients since scaling up its emergency response, with more than 25 per cent of them arriving in critical condition.
He noted that although MSF had considerably expanded its operations over the past two months, new infections continue to outpace containment efforts due to inadequate access to clean water, proper sanitation and healthcare services.
Among those receiving treatment is 13-year-old Muhammad Usman, who was rushed to an MSF-supported Cholera Treatment Centre after falling seriously ill.
His mother, Hadiza Ali, said her son initially experienced vomiting, diarrhoea and severe stomach pain before losing consciousness, prompting the family to suspect cholera and seek immediate medical attention.
Muhammad is one of thousands of residents affected since the first suspected cholera cases were identified in the state on May 1, 2026.
MSF observed that although many communities are aware of the outbreak, public understanding of how cholera spreads and how to prevent infection remains inadequate.
Another patient, 65-year-old Kyari Ali, said he sought treatment after suddenly developing severe diarrhoea and extreme weakness.
According to him, several members of his family and community have also contracted the disease, with some currently receiving treatment at the same health facility. He admitted he had little knowledge of how cholera is transmitted.
MSF warned that the rapidly worsening outbreak in Borno has infected thousands of people and stretched healthcare facilities beyond capacity, leaving medical workers struggling to respond to the growing number of patients.
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