A cholera outbreak in Zamfara State has killed at least seven people and left nearly 200 hospitalised, health officials confirmed in August 2025, as the state battles acute shortages of safe drinking water and poor sanitation.
The Zamfara Ministry of Health said the deaths and hospitalisations were recorded earlier this month, warning that cases could rise without urgent intervention.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported that Zamfara accounted for 32 percent of all suspected cholera cases nationwide as of late June 2025, making it the epicentre of the outbreak.
Between June and early August, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) treated more than 1,500 suspected cases across Shinkafi, Zurmi and Talata Mafara local government areas.
Zurmi General Hospital recorded over 560 cases between June 16 and August 5, Shinkafi General Hospital handled about 400 between July 11 and August 5, while Talata Mafara General Hospital treated more than 600 between July 1 and August 8.
The Zamfara State Government has dispatched medical supplies, including IV fluids, chlorine, disinfectants and handwashing kits, to 11 affected local government areas, with plans to cover all 14 councils.
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MSF has also expanded treatment facilities to 160 dedicated cholera beds across the three worst-hit communities.
The outbreak has been linked to a lack of potable water, inadequate sanitation and flooding that contaminated open wells and ponds.
Insecurity and population displacement have further worsened the crisis by limiting access to clean water and healthcare.
Nationwide, cholera has spread to 34 states with more than 60,000 suspected cases and nearly 3,000 deaths recorded since January 2025, according to NCDC figures.
Health experts and humanitarian agencies have urged the Zamfara State Government and the Federal Government to prioritise long-term investment in water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure, warning that repeated outbreaks will persist if communities remain dependent on unsafe water sources.