16 People Confirmed Dead in Cholera Outbreak as Bauchi Declares Emergency, Seeks Support

Bauchi State, Nigeria, has officially declared a cholera outbreak, confirming 16 fatalities and prompting an emergency declaration. The grim statistics emerged from a leaked memo from the State Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, addressed to international donor partners.

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To all Partners and Donor Agencies. Bauchi State Ministry of Health and Social Welfare wishes to inform the general public and our development partners, following an increase in reported cases of Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD) and the laboratory confirmation of cholera cases, the Honourable Commissioner for Health & Social Welfare, based on the recommendation of the state epidemiology team and public health emergency operation center, has officially declared a cholera outbreak in the state.

The memo, dated August 1, 2026, and signed by the Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Sani Mabammed Dambam, revealed that as of July 31, 2026, the state had recorded 398 suspected cholera cases across 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs). The case fatality rate stands at 4%, with Toro, Alkaleri, and Kirfi being the most affected LGAs.

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This declaration is made in line with the International Health Regulations (2005). The National Technical Guidelines for Cholera Preparedness and Response, and the established public health emergency management procedures of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

Laboratory investigations have confirmed active cholera transmission, identifying six PCR-confirmed cases of Vibrio cholerae 01 Ogawa. This confirmation, coupled with the rising number of suspected cases and their spread, meets the criteria for an official outbreak declaration according to World Health Organization and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. The Bauchi State Government has activated a multisectoral response, deploying Rapid Response Teams and strengthening treatment centers.

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As of 31 July 2026, the State has recorded 398 suspected cholera cases across 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs). 16 mortalities have been recorded with a case fatality rate of 4%.