Borno Cholera Outbreak Kills 198, Infects 35,500

Abah Felicity July 23, 2026 2 minutes read

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria – The Borno cholera outbreak has claimed 198 lives and infected more than 35,500 people since May, placing severe pressure on healthcare facilities as humanitarian organisations intensify emergency response efforts.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, on Wednesday says data from the Borno State Ministry of Health show the outbreak has spread rapidly since the first suspected cases were reported on 1 May.

According to MSF, overcrowded informal settlements, unsafe drinking water, poor sanitation and inadequate waste management continue to fuel the spread of the waterborne disease.

The organisation warns that the growing number of infections has overwhelmed hospitals and treatment centres, with health workers struggling to cope with the influx of patients.

Cholera is an acute bacterial infection spread through contaminated food and water. Without prompt treatment, severe diarrhoea and dehydration can become fatal within hours.

In response, MSF says it has expanded its emergency operations by supporting two Cholera Treatment Centres, five Cholera Treatment Units and 17 Oral Rehydration Points across Borno State in partnership with health authorities and humanitarian organisations.

The organisation says it has treated more than 24,000 suspected cholera patients as of 12 July, with more than one in four arriving in critical condition.

MSF Project Medical Coordinator in Maiduguri, Bienfait Tombola, says the organisation has significantly scaled up its response over the past two months.

However, he warns that the disease continues to spread faster than containment efforts because many communities still lack access to safe water, sanitation facilities and healthcare services.

MSF also identifies low public awareness as a major obstacle to controlling the outbreak. It says it has intensified community education campaigns, trained healthcare workers and supported water chlorination and hygiene interventions.