Plateau Battles Cholera Outbreak as Cases Rise to 53, Five Dead

The Plateau State Government has intensified emergency measures to contain a worsening cholera outbreak in Mangu Local Government Area after confirmed and suspected cases surged to 53, with five deaths recorded across three affected wards.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong, disclosed the development during a press briefing in Jos on Monday, describing the outbreak as a serious public health concern that requires urgent intervention and community cooperation.

According to him, the outbreak, which initially began with only eight suspected cases, has now spread across Pushit, Mangu 1, and Mangu 2 wards, raising fears of sustained community transmission.

“As of June 12, 2026, we have recorded a cumulative total of 53 suspected cases, 10 Rapid Diagnostic Test-reactive cases, four laboratory-confirmed cases through culture, and sadly five deaths,” Ba’amlong said.

The commissioner revealed that the fatalities involved four women and one man, bringing the case fatality rate to 9.43 percent.

He noted that the rapid increase in infections and the expansion of the outbreak to additional communities underscored the need for immediate and coordinated public health action.

“The evolving situation indicates expansion of the outbreak, continued community transmission, and a level of severity that demands urgent attention. Our thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones during this difficult period,” he stated.

To strengthen containment efforts, the state government has activated its Incident Management System (IMS), an emergency coordination framework designed to streamline outbreak response activities.

As part of the intervention, Dr. Maren Job has been appointed Incident Manager to coordinate surveillance, treatment, laboratory services, risk communication, water and sanitation interventions, resource mobilisation, and stakeholder engagement.

Ba’amlong disclosed that additional Rapid Response Teams had been deployed to affected communities, while treatment centres had been expanded and emergency procurement of diagnostic kits, intravenous fluids, and essential medicines commenced.

“We are scaling up treatment facilities, strengthening surveillance, and ensuring that patients receive prompt care. No effort is being spared in protecting the lives of our citizens,” he assured.

Health authorities have also intensified active case searches, contact tracing, and community-based surveillance to improve early detection and containment of new infections.

The government further announced the continuation of free or subsidised treatment for cholera patients to eliminate financial barriers that could delay access to healthcare.

Beyond medical interventions, public awareness campaigns have been launched across affected communities to promote proper hygiene practices, encourage early treatment, and combat misinformation. Traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community influencers have also been mobilised to support sensitisation efforts.

As part of preventive measures, residents are being encouraged to boil or chlorinate drinking water, maintain proper sanitation, and observe safe water storage practices.

Despite the progress made, Ba’amlong acknowledged challenges including shortages of rapid diagnostic kits, increasing demand for treatment supplies, and logistical difficulties in reaching remote communities.

He, however, expressed confidence that collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the World Health Organisation (WHO), and other development partners would strengthen ongoing containment efforts.

“We are mobilising emergency resources and working closely with our national and international partners to ensure that every gap identified in the response is addressed swiftly,” he said.

The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant by observing strict hygiene measures and seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms such as severe watery diarrhoea and vomiting occur.

“The fight against cholera is a collective responsibility. We call on all residents to cooperate with health workers and strictly observe preventive measures. Together, we can stop the spread of this disease,” he added.

The state government pledged to continue providing regular updates on the outbreak while reaffirming its commitment to protecting public health and preventing further spread of the disease.