From Yakubu Wuyep, Jos
No fewer than 127 communities in four local government areas of Plateau State were affected by the outbreak of cholera pandemic which recorded 441 suspected cases, with confirmed cases of 14 death, the state government has reported.
The state government assured its readiness to safeguarding public health as the Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas D. Ba’amlong, announced significant progress in the state’s response to the ongoing cholera outbreak, with transmission successfully interrupted in Mangu Local Government Area, while emergency interventions continue across other affected communities.
Addressing media on the outbreak on Monday, Ba’amlong said the Governor Caleb Mutfwang-led administration has mounted a coordinated, multi-sectoral response involving state and local government authorities, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and other development partners to curb the spread of the disease.
He stressed that, although cholera has affected four local government areas, the government’s swift intervention has begun yielding measurable results, particularly in Mangu, where the outbreak was first confirmed in June 2026.
“There is currently no active cholera case in Mangu Local Government Area, with the last reported case recorded on 22nd July 2026,” Ba’amlong announced.
According to him, Mangu LGA recorded 159 suspected cases and 10 deaths, but sustained surveillance, rapid case detection, treatment and community engagement have successfully interrupted transmission.
He noted that attention has now shifted to preventing further spread in other affected areas.
Providing the latest situation report, the Commissioner disclosed that Jos North Local Government Area has recorded 277 suspected cases, seven Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) reactive cases, one laboratory-confirmed case and four deaths, with only three patients currently receiving treatment.
He added that Jos South recorded only one laboratory-confirmed case, while the patient has fully recovered and been discharged.
In Barkin Ladi, health authorities have recorded 23 suspected cases and two RDT-reactive cases, with no deaths reported.
Giving the cumulative figures, Ba’amlong said Plateau State has so far recorded: 441 suspected cholera cases, 20 RDT-reactive cases, six laboratory-confirmed cases, and 14 deaths.
The cases span four local government areas, 25 wards, and 127 communities, while only three patients remain on admission.
Despite the figures, the Commissioner maintained that the government’s aggressive public health interventions have prevented a wider spread of the outbreak.
Ba’amlong said the Mutfwang administration has continued to strengthen every aspect of the emergency response through enhanced disease surveillance, rapid response teams, laboratory services, community engagement and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) interventions.
According to him, government has intensified active case searches across affected communities, expanded community-based surveillance for early detection, strengthened reporting systems through trained health surveillance officers and ensured continuous availability of Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS), intravenous fluids, antibiotics and other essential medical commodities.
He further disclosed that additional Oral Rehydration Points (ORPs) are being established in Jos North while healthcare workers continue to receive training in collaboration with WHO and UNICEF.
The Commissioner also highlighted ongoing risk communication campaigns involving traditional rulers, religious leaders, community influencers and the media to educate residents on preventive measures and encourage early presentation at health facilities.
He urged Plateau residents to drink only boiled or properly treated water, maintain good hygiene, avoid open defecation, cook food thoroughly and immediately report symptoms such as watery diarrhoea and vomiting to the nearest healthcare facility.
Ba’amlong reaffirmed that the Plateau State Government remains fully committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of citizens, assuring residents that surveillance, laboratory confirmation, case management and community sensitisation will continue until the outbreak is completely contained.
He expressed appreciation to Mutfwang for providing the leadership and support that has enabled the Ministry of Health and its partners to respond swiftly and effectively to the outbreak.
Delivering the closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Plateau State Ministry of Health, Mr Bitrus Keln Hosea, thanked journalists and media organisations for honouring the invitation to the briefing and commended them for their unwavering partnership in keeping the public accurately informed.
He acknowledged the media as a critical stakeholder in the state’s emergency response, noting that timely and responsible reportage has helped raise public awareness, combat misinformation and encourage communities to adopt preventive measures.
Hosea urged media practitioners to sustain their support by continuing to disseminate verified public health information, stressing that the government and the media must work together to protect lives and ultimately eliminate the cholera outbreak in Plateau State.