A cholera outbreak in Borno State has worsened, with health authorities confirming 37 deaths and over 3,000 recorded cases across several local government areas, prompting renewed calls for urgent federal intervention and a coordinated national response.

The outbreak, which has spread across at least seven LGAs including Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Jere, Mafa, Konduga, Monguno, Ngala, and Magumeri, has placed significant pressure on already strained health facilities, with new infections continuing to be reported daily.

Health officials say the crisis has been driven by poor water supply, inadequate sanitation, and contamination of drinking water sources, worsened by seasonal flooding and open defecation in vulnerable communities.

Senators and public health stakeholders have expressed concern over the scale of the outbreak, warning that the situation could escalate further without immediate federal intervention, improved emergency funding, and rapid deployment of medical and humanitarian support to affected areas.

The Borno State health authorities have already activated emergency response measures in collaboration with international partners including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), focusing on surveillance, treatment, water sanitation interventions, and public awareness campaigns.

Officials have also urged residents to adopt strict hygiene practices, including safe water treatment, handwashing, and prompt reporting of symptoms such as severe diarrhoea and vomiting, while warning against delays in seeking medical care.

Despite ongoing response efforts, health experts warn that the outbreak remains a serious public health emergency requiring sustained coordination between federal, state, and international actors.

As of the time of filing this report, no official federal emergency declaration has been announced, while affected communities continue to grapple with rising infections and overstretched health services.