At least 74 people have died in a cholera outbreak that has been spreading across Borno State in northeastern Nigeria since May. The figures were reported by Reuters, citing the international humanitarian organization Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders).

According to the organization, the number of confirmed cholera cases has climbed to 7,850. By comparison, state authorities reported 4,204 infections and 39 deaths on June 3.

The outbreak has been classified as a public health emergency requiring urgent intervention. Nigeria’s Ministry of Health said the disease has spread across 36 districts of Borno State.

The hardest-hit area is the state capital, Maiduguri, which accounts for more than half of all reported infections.

Nigerian authorities, working alongside international partners, are stepping up efforts to contain the outbreak. Measures include strengthening water, sanitation and hygiene systems, while hospitals and treatment centers are preparing for a growing influx of patients.