Plateau Adopts New Strategy to Halt Cholera Outbreak as 14 Die, Cases Hit Four LGAs

The Plateau State Government has intensified emergency public health measures to contain a cholera outbreak that has claimed 14 lives and spread across four local government areas, with 441 suspected cases recorded in 127 settlements over the past two months.

State Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Ba'amlong, disclosed the latest figures on Monday during a press briefing in Jos, saying authorities had strengthened surveillance, treatment capacity and public awareness campaigns as efforts continue to halt further transmission.

The response, he said, is being coordinated by the Plateau State Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), local government councils and international development partners.

The commissioner explained that the outbreak was first confirmed in Mangu Local Government Area in June 2026 after laboratory stool culture confirmed cholera infections. The confirmation prompted the activation of a coordinated multisectoral emergency response involving health officials, disease surveillance teams and humanitarian partners.

Ba'amlong recalled that by June 12, Mangu had recorded 53 suspected cases, 10 Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT)-reactive cases, four laboratory-confirmed infections and five deaths across 18 communities in three wards. However, by July 26, the figures had risen to 159 suspected cases and 10 deaths, affecting 64 settlements across nine wards.

Despite the increase, he announced that active transmission had now been interrupted in the local government.

"It is encouraging to note that there is currently no active cholera case in Mangu Local Government Area, with the last reported case recorded on July 22, 2026," Ba'amlong said.

While Mangu was the initial epicentre, the commissioner said Jos North Local Government Area has now emerged as the state's most affected area by case count. According to him, the area has recorded 277 suspected cases, seven RDT-reactive cases, one laboratory-confirmed infection and four deaths across 61 settlements in 14 wards. He added that three patients are currently receiving treatment.

In Jos South, only one laboratory-confirmed case has been recorded, with the patient successfully treated and discharged. Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, where the first infection was reported on July 15, has so far recorded 23 suspected cases and two RDT-reactive cases, with no deaths.

Giving the statewide epidemiological update, Ba'amlong said Plateau has now recorded 441 suspected cholera cases, 20 RDT-reactive cases, six laboratory-confirmed infections and 14 deaths across four local government areas, 25 wards and 127 settlements.

Although active transmission has ceased in Mangu, he warned that the disease continues to spread in other affected areas.

"The epidemiological situation indicates that although transmission has been interrupted in Mangu Local Government Area, cholera continues to spread across other affected LGAs. The outbreak demonstrates continued geographic expansion, sustained community transmission, preventable loss of lives due to delayed presentation to health facilities, and the need for sustained surveillance and community participation," he said.

Ba'amlong said the state government has expanded surveillance through active case searches and community-based monitoring to ensure early detection and prompt reporting of suspected cases. He added that designated health facilities have been supplied with Oral Rehydration Salts, intravenous fluids, antibiotics and other essential treatment commodities, while plans are underway to establish additional Oral Rehydration Points in Jos North.

According to him, cholera treatment at designated centres is being provided free of charge or at subsidised rates. He disclosed that, in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), healthcare workers in Mangu, Barkin Ladi and Jos North are undergoing specialised training to strengthen case management.

The commissioner added that Rapid Diagnostic Test kits have been distributed across affected local government areas, while laboratory confirmation through stool culture has been strengthened to improve surveillance and guide public health interventions.

He said extensive public awareness campaigns are ongoing through radio, television and community outreach programmes. Traditional rulers, religious leaders and community influencers have also been mobilised to encourage early health-seeking behaviour and discourage self-medication.

Ba'amlong further explained that the government and its partners have intensified water, sanitation and hygiene interventions, including household water treatment through boiling and chlorination, environmental sanitation exercises, house-to-house hygiene education, monitoring of contaminated water sources, and the promotion of safe water storage and proper waste disposal.

He urged residents to drink only boiled or treated water, wash their hands regularly with soap and clean water, maintain proper environmental sanitation, avoid open defecation, and immediately report to the nearest health facility if they experience sudden watery diarrhoea or vomiting.

He also called on public and private healthcare facilities to promptly notify Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers of every suspected cholera case to facilitate timely investigation and response.

While acknowledging the progress recorded in Mangu, Ba'amlong cautioned that the outbreak remains a serious public health threat requiring sustained vigilance.

"While significant progress has been made in controlling the outbreak in Mangu Local Government Area, cholera remains a serious public health concern in Plateau State. The recent increase in cases across multiple LGAs highlights the need for sustained vigilance, early reporting and strong community participation," he said.

The commissioner reaffirmed the Plateau State Government's commitment to strengthening surveillance, case management, laboratory services, risk communication and water, sanitation and hygiene interventions until the outbreak is fully contained. He also commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his continued support and leadership in the state's response to the public health emergency.

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae. According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), prompt treatment with oral rehydration therapy and intravenous fluids can significantly reduce fatalities, while sustained access to safe drinking water, improved sanitation and good hygiene practices remain the most effective long-term measures for preventing outbreaks.