The Plateau State Government has stepped up its emergency response after a cholera outbreak claimed 14 lives and spread across four local government areas.
State Commissioner for Health, Nicholas Ba’amlong, disclosed during a press briefing in Jos on Monday that 441 suspected cholera cases have been recorded across 127 settlements in the past two months.
Ba’amlong said the outbreak was first confirmed in Mangu Local Government Area in June 2026 after laboratory testing identified cholera. This prompted the Ministry of Health to activate a coordinated emergency response with local councils, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), and development partners.
He explained that Mangu initially recorded 53 suspected cases and five deaths by June 12. However, by July 26, the figures had risen to 159 suspected cases and 10 deaths across 64 settlements in nine wards.
Despite the rise, the commissioner announced that Mangu currently has no active cholera cases, with the last reported infection recorded on July 22.
Meanwhile, Jos North has become the hardest-hit area, recording 277 suspected cases, one laboratory-confirmed infection and four deaths across 61 settlements. Three patients remain on admission for treatment.
In Jos South, authorities confirmed one cholera case, with the patient successfully treated and discharged. Barkin Ladi has recorded 23 suspected cases and two rapid diagnostic test-reactive cases without any deaths.
Overall, Plateau State has confirmed 441 suspected cases, 20 rapid diagnostic test-reactive cases, six laboratory-confirmed infections and 14 deaths across four local government areas, 25 wards and 127 settlements.
Ba’amlong warned that although transmission has been interrupted in Mangu, the disease continues to spread in other affected areas, stressing the need for sustained surveillance and community involvement.
To contain the outbreak, the state government has expanded active case searches, strengthened community surveillance and supplied health facilities with Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS), intravenous fluids, antibiotics and other essential medical supplies. Additional Oral Rehydration Points are also planned for Jos North.
The government is providing free or subsidised treatment for cholera patients and, in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF, is training healthcare workers to improve case management.
Authorities have also intensified public awareness campaigns through radio, television and community outreach while promoting household water treatment, environmental sanitation and proper hygiene practices.
Residents have been advised to drink only boiled or treated water, wash their hands regularly with soap, avoid open defecation and seek immediate medical attention if they develop sudden watery diarrhoea or vomiting.
Ba’amlong reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening surveillance, laboratory services, case management and water, sanitation and hygiene interventions until the outbreak is fully contained.
