by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
About 441 suspected cases of cholera have been confirmed across four (4) local governments, with 14 deaths, in Plateau State, which has intensified emergency response measures to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.
Commissioner for the Ministry of Health, Plateau State, Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong, disclosed this, while briefing journalists in Jos. He disclosed that, the outbreak was confirmed in Mangu, Jos North, Jos South and Barkin-Ladi LGAs, with only three patients currently on admission, and all are receiving treatment in Jos North.
According to him, Mangu Local Government Area, where the first laboratory to be confirmed with the case which was detected in June 2026, has recorded 159 suspected cases and 10 deaths across 64 settlements in nine wards.
While explaining that there is no active cholera case in the Local Government Area currently since the last reported case on July 22, 2026, he added that, “Suspected cases in Jos North were 277, seven (7) Rapid Diagnostics Test (RDT) reactive cases and one laboratory-confirmed case and four deaths have been recorded across 61 settlements in 14 wards.”
According to him, Jos South recorded only one laboratory-confirmed case, while Barkin-Ladi has reported 23 suspected cases and two RDT reactive cases, with no death recorded.
“Although, transmission has been interrupted in Mangu Local Government, cholera continues to spread across other affected local government areas. The recent increase in cases highlights the need for sustained vigilance, early reporting and strong community participation,” he disclosed.
The Commissioner further assured that, surveillance has been strengthened through active case searches, expanded community surveillance and improved reporting systems, while treatment centres have been supplied with Oral Rehydration Salts (ORTs), intravenous fluids, antibiotics and other essential commodities.
“Free or subsidised treatment is being provided for cholera patients in designated treatment centres, while additional Oral Rehydration Points will be established in Jos North Local Government Area.”
He further disclosed that Rapid Diagnostic Test kits have been distributed to affected Local Government Areas, while laboratory confirmation through stool culture is ongoing to support surveillance and guide public health interventions.
Dr. Ba’amlong explained that, intensive community sensitization, engagement with traditional and religious leaders, media campaigns and house-to-house hygiene education are being sustained to promote early treatment and discourage self-medication.
The Commissioner further noted that water, sanitation and hygiene interventions, including household water treatment, environmental sanitation, safe water storage and monitoring of contaminated water sources, have been intensified across affected communities.
Dr. Ba’amlong also advised residents to drink only treated water, wash their hands regularly with soap and clean water, maintain proper sanitation, cook food thoroughly and report symptoms such as sudden watery diarrhoea or vomiting immediately at the nearest health facility.
He also reaffirmed its commitment to ending the outbreak, appreciating Governor Caleb Mutfwang, healthcare workers, rapid response teams, development partners, including WHO, UNICEF and FHI 360-EPIC, as well as the media for their support in the ongoing response.