The Plateau State Government has intensified efforts to contain a cholera outbreak in Mangu Local Government Area after 53 suspected cases and five deaths were recorded across three affected wards.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong, disclosed this during a press briefing in Jos on Monday, describing the outbreak as serious but under control with sustained intervention and community cooperation.
He said the outbreak, initially reported with eight suspected cases, has spread to Pushit, Mangu 1 and Mangu 2 wards.
“As of June 12, 2026, we have recorded 53 suspected cases, 10 Rapid Diagnostic Test-reactive cases, four laboratory-confirmed cases through culture, and five deaths,” Ba’amlong said.
The fatalities comprised four women and one man, representing a case fatality rate of 9.43 per cent.
According to the commissioner, the rising number of infections and spread across communities underscore the need for urgent public health action.
To strengthen the response, the state government has activated the Incident Management System (IMS) and appointed Dr. Maren Job as Incident Manager to coordinate surveillance, treatment, laboratory services, risk communication, water and sanitation interventions, resource mobilisation, and stakeholder engagement.
Ba’amlong said additional Rapid Response Teams have been deployed to affected communities, treatment centres expanded, and emergency procurement of diagnostic kits, intravenous fluids and essential medicines initiated.
“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 said.
Health authorities have also intensified case searches and contact tracing, while community-based surveillance has been expanded to improve early detection of infections. Free or subsidised treatment for cholera patients is being maintained to remove financial barriers to care.
The government, alongside health partners, has launched public awareness campaigns on hygiene practices and early reporting to health facilities. Traditional and religious leaders have also been mobilised to support sensitisation efforts.
Authorities are promoting household water treatment through boiling and chlorination, environmental sanitation exercises, and safe water storage practices.
Ba’amlong acknowledged challenges, including shortages of rapid diagnostic kits, increasing demand for treatment supplies, and difficulties accessing some remote communities. He, however, expressed confidence that collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the World Health Organisation (WHO), and other partners would strengthen containment efforts.
He urged residents to drink treated or boiled water, wash hands regularly, maintain proper sanitation, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as severe 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 said.
The state government pledged to provide regular updates on the outbreak while sustaining efforts to prevent further spread.
