A severe cholera outbreak in Borno State has resulted in at least 40 deaths and over 3,000 infections, according to reports. The Borno State government confirmed on Saturday, May 30, that cholera had claimed 37 lives and infected more than 3,000 people. This update came just three days after an official epidemiological summary indicated 27 deaths and 2,715 infections between May 1 and May 27, 2026. The death toll is now believed to have exceeded 40.
Families Report Higher Death Toll
Families of cholera patients have told Daily Trust that the actual number of deaths may be higher, as many patients are still dying at home. Government estimates show that cholera infections were recorded in Maiduguri, Jere, Mafa, Konduga, Monguno, Ngala, and Magumeri from May 1 to 28, 2026. The most alarming spikes are in the Maiduguri metropolis, which accounts for more than half of the total burden.
Treatment Centres Overwhelmed
Treatment centres in Maiduguri and Jere are overwhelmed by the influx of patients. Some patients are being treated on bare floors, Daily Trust gathered. Health workers have been seen administering emergency procedures to severe cases. A health worker who wished to remain anonymous said, 'We don’t have the actual number of patients, but on average, from morning to 12:30, we received over 40 cases today. You can see how the facility is overstretched.' He added that this year's outbreak has been particularly severe, with nearly eight local government areas reporting cases, mostly concentrated in Maiduguri and Jere.
