Five dead, 53 infected as cholera outbreak worsens in Plateau

The Plateau State Government has intensified efforts to contain a cholera outbreak in Mangu Local Government Area following a sharp rise in infections and fatalities.

The outbreak, which was initially reported with only eight suspected cases, has now spread across the Pushit, Mangu 1 and Mangu 2 wards, with health authorities recording 53 suspected cases and five deaths.

Speaking at a press briefing in Jos on Monday, Nicholas Ba’amlong, the Commissioner for Health, described the situation as serious but manageable through coordinated intervention and community cooperation.

He disclosed that as of June 12, 2026, the state had recorded 53 suspected cases, 10 Rapid Diagnostic Test-reactive cases and four laboratory-confirmed infections.

“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 noted that the fatalities involved four women and one man, bringing the case fatality rate to 9.43 per cent. He warned that the growing number of infections and the spread of the disease to additional communities underscored the need for urgent 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 the response, the state government has activated the Incident Management System (IMS), an emergency coordination framework designed to streamline outbreak control efforts.

Maren Job has been appointed 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 had been deployed to affected communities, treatment centres 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.

The commissioner acknowledged challenges such as shortages of diagnostic kits and logistics constraints, but expressed confidence that support from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, World Health Organisation, and other partners would help contain the outbreak.

He urged residents to drink treated or boiled water, maintain proper hygiene and seek immediate medical attention for symptoms such as severe watery diarrhoea and vomiting, stressing that

“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”.