Plateau records 441 suspected cholera cases, 14 deaths – Commissioner

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cholera

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Plateau has recorded 441 suspected cholera cases, 26 confirmed infections and 14 deaths, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Ba’amlong, said on Monday.

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Ba’amlong disclosed this in Jos while providing an update on the outbreak, which began in June 2026.

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He said the cases were reported in Mangu, Jos North, Jos South and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

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The commissioner said the Ministry of Health remained on high alert and had strengthened emergency response measures to contain the outbreak.

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He said the ministry was working with affected councils, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and development partners to intensify response activities.

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Ba’amlong said the state government had also increased community engagement through traditional rulers, religious leaders, community influencers and other stakeholders to raise awareness.

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He added that preventive messages were being shared through radio, television and community outreach campaigns, while residents were advised to seek prompt medical attention and avoid self-medication.

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The commissioner said government and partners had intensified Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) interventions, including house-to-house hygiene education, monitoring and treatment of contaminated water sources.

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He urged residents to drink only boiled, chlorinated or treated water, wash hands regularly with soap and clean water, maintain environmental sanitation, avoid open defecation and ensure proper food handling.

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Ba’amlong advised residents experiencing sudden watery diarrhoea or vomiting to immediately report to health facilities for treatment.

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He also urged public and private health facilities to promptly notify Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs) of suspected cases for timely investigation and response.

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The commissioner reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to containing the outbreak and urged residents to cooperate with health authorities by adhering to preventive measures.

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