Zamfara Cholera Outbreak sees 1,500+ cases as MSF launches urgent medical and WASH response to curb spread amid insecurity and flooding

Zamfara Cholera Outbreak has raised alarm after Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) recorded more than 1,500 cases between mid-June and early August.

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Dr. David Kizito, MSF’s Medical Coordinator in Nigeria, confirmed the figures, citing data from three Ministry of Health facilities supported by MSF. Other humanitarian agencies have also reported high infection rates across the state.

“This outbreak is happening in a context of insecurity, displacement, and limited access to clean water—worsened by the rainy season,” Kizito explained.

Seasonal cholera surges in Nigeria typically peak between April and October, with flooding contaminating water sources.

Cholera, which can cause severe diarrhoea and vomiting, may lead to death within hours if untreated.

In response, MSF has scaled up water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions, while the Zamfara State Ministry of Health activated a Public Health Emergency Operations Centre on July 3.

Hotspot areas such as Shinkafi, Zurmi, and Talata Mafara have received priority attention due to critically low access to safe drinking water.

MSF and partners have opened cholera treatment centres in Zurmi, Shinkafi, and Talata Mafara General Hospitals, where hundreds of suspected cases have been treated.

Preventive advice includes boiling water, regular handwashing, consuming freshly prepared food, avoiding open defecation, and keeping vaccinations up to date.

Kizito stressed the need for decentralised oral rehydration points, better-equipped primary healthcare centres, and urgent cholera vaccination to prevent further spread.

Also read: Cholera outbreak in Enugu State claims 10 lives, ministry issues urgent health warnings

“No one should die from a preventable disease,” Kizito said, reaffirming MSF’s commitment to work alongside communities, authorities, and partners in the fight against cholera.