More than 10,000 people have been infected with cholera in a severe outbreak concentrated in Borno state, northeastern Nigeria, a region already ravaged by conflict. The medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has confirmed at least 46 fatalities at its treatment centres since the outbreak began in early May.
Overwhelmed Clinics and Rising Cases
Clinics in the region are struggling to cope with the surge in cases. MSF has expanded its treatment centre in the state capital, Maiduguri, from an initial 120 beds to around 251, and some facilities are experiencing over-occupancy. Stuart Alexander Zimble, MSF’s Head of Country Office in Nigeria, told The Telegraph: “When we opened our cholera treatment centre, it was with 120 beds. Right now we’re at about 251 beds… in some of the [treatment centres], there is even over occupancy.” He noted a recent stabilisation in numbers but expressed continued concern.
Water Crisis and Endemic Disease
Cholera is endemic and seasonal in Nigeria, where only 14% of the population of over 200 million have access to safely managed drinking water, according to 2020 government data. The situation is particularly dire in Borno, both in densely populated Maiduguri and remote communities with poor sanitation and hygiene, partly due to limited health authority reach. Cholera, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, is nearly always waterborne and can be fatal within hours if untreated, according to the World Health Organisation. Symptoms include severe watery diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain, and dehydration.
Vaccine Request and Fragile Health Systems
Nigeria’s health ministry has requested more than three million oral cholera vaccine doses, Mr Zimble said. The outbreak comes amid fragile health systems in Borno, which have suffered from nearly two decades of violent extremism by the Boko Haram insurgent group. Earlier this month, MSF reported 74 deaths since the outbreak began. Treatment involves replacing lost fluids through rehydration solutions or, in severe cases, intravenous fluids in hospital. The disease spreads quickly in areas where sewage and drinking water are inadequately treated, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
