Fear has gripped several communities in Maiduguri and Jere Local Government Areas as a suspected outbreak of Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD), characterized by severe vomiting and diarrhea, continues to spread, prompting emergency interventions by health authorities.

Residents report disrupted daily life, with families rushing loved ones to hospitals and grappling with anxiety over the rapid spread of the illness. Health officials have confirmed cases of AWD, noting that investigations are ongoing to determine if cholera is involved.

Panic in Affected Communities

In Mashamari Central in Jere LGA, one of the hardest-hit areas, residents describe a climate of fear. Aisha Umar told Radio Ndarason that three members of her family were affected and had to be transported to hospital via emergency ambulance.

“After taking them to the hospital, patient relatives are not even allowed to stay with them. Rather, the health personnel take care of them,” she said. Aisha added that many others in her area have been struck by the disease, with awareness teams deployed to educate residents on hygiene practices.

Another resident, Maryam Adam, expressed the community’s growing apprehension. “Currently I feel scared seeing how this disease of vomiting and diarrhea is affecting my community. Everyone feels scared to stay closer to those suffering from the disease. We were now told to wash our hands regularly and keep our food stuff safe.”

Health Authorities Confirm Acute Watery Diarrhea

Dr. Goni Imam Ali, Director of Public Health at the Borno State Ministry of Health, confirmed the outbreak, which was first detected in the Shehuri area of Maiduguri.

“Definitely the disease that leads to vomiting and diarrhea known as acute watery diarrhea is recorded in Borno State and was first found in Shehuri area,” he explained. He noted that while cholera is one form of AWD, laboratory tests are still underway to ascertain the exact cause of the current outbreak.

Dr. Goni identified contaminated food and water as primary drivers of the disease. “Acute watery diarrhea comes as a result of many factors. Mostly the disease is caused by water and food borne diseases,” he stated, urging improved personal and environmental hygiene to curb transmission.

Other affected areas include Gomboru, Old Maiduguri, and Bulablin Ali Kotoko.

Dr. Goni disclosed that between May 4 and May 13, 2026, about 600 people had been admitted to hospitals across affected communities.

“In 10 days that’s from 4th to 13th of May 2026, 600 people are admitted to the hospitals and reports coming from these communities show that 5 people have died though yet to be reflected in our record,” he said.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cholera and Acute Watery Diarrhea outbreaks remain major public health concerns in areas affected by poor sanitation and unsafe drinking water. The organization noted that contaminated food and water are among the leading causes of the disease.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has also warned that blocked drainage systems, poor hygiene and contaminated water sources increase the spread of cholera and other waterborne diseases, especially during periods of intense heat and rainfall.

Government Response and Emergency Measures

Authorities have rolled out multiple containment strategies, including risk communication, community surveillance, and rapid evacuation of patients via ambulance. Three dedicated facilities — Ngarannam Cholera Treatment Centre (CTC), Brigadier Abba Kyari Hospital, and the Isolation Center in Njimtilo — have been activated, with free medicines provided to patients.

Oral Rehydration Points have been established in communities for milder cases, while agencies such as BOSEPA and RUWASSA have commenced fumigation and sanitation exercises. Residents experiencing symptoms are advised to seek immediate help at the nearest hospital or call the emergency ambulance service on 08000000333.

Residents Link Outbreak to Water and Sanitation Issues

In Shehuri, community leader Bulama Kayama of Limanti Ward reported ongoing fumigation but highlighted underlying infrastructural challenges. “Those in charge of the fumigation enter every corner of the area,” he said, adding that nearby hospitals admit 10 to 20 patients daily.

He also linked the outbreak to damaged water pipes and poor environmental conditions.

“He added water pipes in the area suffer damages coupled with heat. And the water that comes from this pipe sometimes looks dirty and smelly which on the other hand is being used by people in the area which seems like a factor to the outbreak.”

The concerns raised by residents over dirty and smelly water reflect warnings previously issued by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) on the dangers of contaminated water sources during disease outbreaks.

He called on the government to repair water infrastructure and clear drainage systems before the rainy season.

Inside Hospitals and Recovery Stories

At Ngarannam Hospital, relatives of patients noted overcrowded wards but also signs of recovery. Fatima Alhaji Bukar, whose mother was undergoing treatment, said many patients have improved and been discharged. Her mother, admitted for two days, was expected to return home later that day.

Safiya Muhammad, another patient’s relative, described the situation: “Many people here suffer from the vomiting and diarrhea… At first when I arrived there were sixteen in the admission room I stay in but now ten remaining.”

Medical Advice to Residents

Dr. Abubakar Sadiq of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) emphasized preventive hygiene. He recommended washing fruits and vegetables with vinegar and thoroughly cooking meats and fish to help prevent infection.

Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as efforts to contain the outbreak intensify across Borno State.

Rukaiya Ahmed Alibe