THE Plateau State Government has announced that it has recorded 441 suspected cases of cholera and 14 deaths across four local government areas since the outbreak began in June 2026.
News Point Nigeria reports that the Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Ba’amlong, disclosed this on Monday in Jos while providing an update on the state’s emergency response efforts, revealing that 20 cases have tested positive through Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs), while six others have been laboratory-confirmed through stool culture.
According to the commissioner, the infections have so far affected 25 wards and 107 settlements across the state.
Ba’amlong noted that only three patients remain on admission, all in Jos North Local Government Area, describing the development as an indication that government interventions are beginning to yield positive results.
He explained that the outbreak was first detected in Mangu Local Government Area in early June, which remains the epicentre of the disease. According to him, Mangu recorded 53 suspected cases, 10 RDT-positive cases, four laboratory-confirmed cases, and 10 deaths spread across nine wards and 64 settlements.
The commissioner added that there are currently no active cholera cases in Mangu, with the last reported case recorded on July 22, 2026.
Providing a breakdown of the outbreak in other affected areas, Ba’amlong said Jos North Local Government Area has recorded 277 suspected cases, seven RDT-positive cases, one laboratory-confirmed case, and four deaths across 14 wards and 61 settlements.
He further disclosed that Jos South Local Government Area recorded one laboratory-confirmed case, which was successfully treated and discharged without any fatality.
According to him, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area recorded its first cholera case on July 16 and has since reported 23 suspected cases, two RDT-positive cases, no laboratory-confirmed cases, and no deaths, with two settlements in one ward affected.
While noting that transmission has been interrupted in Mangu, the commissioner warned that new cases are still being recorded in Jos North, Jos South, and Barkin Ladi, indicating that transmission of the disease remains ongoing in parts of the state.
Ba’amlong attributed many of the recorded deaths to the late presentation of patients at health facilities and urged residents to seek immediate medical attention as soon as symptoms appear.
He said the Ministry of Health has activated a multi-sectoral emergency response in collaboration with local government councils, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, and other development partners.
According to him, key interventions already underway include intensified active case searches, expanded community surveillance, and strengthened disease reporting systems.
The commissioner added that the government has also ensured the continuous supply of Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS), intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and other essential medical commodities to support treatment efforts.
He disclosed that additional Oral Rehydration Points would be established in Jos North, while free and subsidised treatment is currently being provided at designated cholera treatment centres across the affected areas.
Ba’amlong further stated that healthcare workers in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, and Jos North are undergoing specialised training with support from WHO and UNICEF. He added that Rapid Diagnostic Test kits have been distributed to all affected local government areas to improve early detection, while laboratory capacity for stool culture has also been strengthened.
On public awareness, the commissioner said the state government has intensified sensitisation campaigns through radio, television, and community outreach programmes, while traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other influential stakeholders are being engaged to promote proper hygiene practices.
He said the state is also advocating household water treatment through boiling and chlorination, improved environmental sanitation, and close monitoring of contaminated water sources, while advising residents to avoid self-medication.
Ba’amlong assured residents that collaboration between the state government, the NCDC, WHO, UNICEF, and other development partners would continue until the cholera outbreak is fully contained.
He also urged members of the public to maintain good personal hygiene, drink only safe water, and promptly report suspected cholera cases to the nearest health facility for immediate medical attention.