Cholera Outbreak Claims Five Lives, Infects 53 Residents in Plateau Community

The Plateau State Government has intensified efforts to contain a cholera outbreak in Mangu Local Government Area following a rise in infections that has left five people dead and 53 others affected across three communities.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong, disclosed this during a press briefing in Jos on Monday, describing the outbreak as a serious public health concern requiring urgent intervention.

According to him, the outbreak, which initially recorded eight suspected cases, has now spread across Pushit, Mangu 1 and Mangu 2 wards.

“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.

He noted that the fatalities comprised four women and one man, bringing the case fatality rate to 9.43 per cent.

The commissioner said the increasing number of infections and the spread of the disease to additional communities underscore the need for coordinated public health measures.

“The evolving situation indicates expansion of the outbreak, continued community transmission, and a level of severity that demands immediate 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 the Incident Management System (IMS), an emergency response framework designed to coordinate outbreak management activities.

Dr. Maren Job has been appointed as Incident Manager and will oversee 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, while treatment centres have been expanded and emergency procurement of diagnostic kits, intravenous fluids and essential medicines has 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.

The government has also intensified active case searches and contact tracing, while expanding community-based surveillance systems to improve early detection of infections.

Health authorities confirmed that free or subsidised treatment will continue for cholera patients to eliminate barriers to accessing medical care.

As part of preventive measures, public awareness campaigns have been launched to promote proper hygiene practices, safe water handling and early presentation at health facilities.

Traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders have also been mobilised to support sensitisation efforts across affected areas.

The commissioner acknowledged challenges, including shortages of rapid diagnostic kits, increasing demand for treatment supplies and logistical difficulties in reaching remote communities.

However, he expressed confidence that collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, World Health Organization and other partners would strengthen response 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.

Ba’amlong urged residents to drink only treated or boiled water, maintain proper sanitation, wash hands regularly with soap and clean water, 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 added.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to containing the outbreak and promised to provide regular updates as response efforts continue.