Plateau State Sees 14 Fatalities, 441 Potential Cholera Infections

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The Plateau State Government says it has recorded 441 suspected cases of cholera and 14 deaths across four local government areas since the outbreak began in June 2026.

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The Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Ba’amlong, disclosed this on Monday in Jos while giving an update on the state’s emergency response efforts.

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According to him, 20 cases have tested positive via Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs), while six cases have been laboratory-confirmed through stool culture.

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“The infections have so far affected 25 wards and 107 settlements across the state,” the commissioner said.

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Ba’amlong noted that only three patients remain on admission, all in Jos North LGA, a development he described as evidence that government interventions are beginning to yield results.

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The commissioner said the outbreak was first detected in Mangu LGA in early June, which remains the epicentre. Mangu recorded 53 suspected cases, 10 RDT-positive cases, four laboratory-confirmed cases, and 10 deaths across nine wards and 64 settlements.

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He added that there are currently no active cases in Mangu, with the last case reported on July 22, 2026.

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In Jos North, the state recorded 277 suspected cases, seven RDT-positive cases, one laboratory-confirmed case, and four deaths across 14 wards and 61 settlements.

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“Jos South LGA recorded one confirmed case, which was treated and discharged, with no fatalities. Barkin Ladi recorded its first case on July 16. The LGA has 23 suspected cases, two RDT-positive cases, no laboratory-confirmed cases, and no deaths. Two settlements in one ward have been affected,” he added.

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While transmission has been interrupted in Mangu, Dr Ba’amlong warned that cases are still being recorded in Jos North, Jos South, and Barkin Ladi, indicating ongoing transmission in parts of the state.

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The commissioner attributed many of the deaths to late presentation at health facilities and urged residents to seek medical care immediately symptoms appear.

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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, the NCDC, WHO, UNICEF, and other development partners.

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Key interventions include intensified active case searches, expanded community surveillance, and strengthened disease reporting. The government has also ensured the continuous supply of Oral Rehydration Salts, intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and other essential commodities.

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Additional Oral Rehydration Points will be established in Jos North, while free and subsidised treatment is being provided at designated cholera treatment centres.

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Healthcare workers in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, and Jos North are undergoing training with support from WHO and UNICEF. RDT kits have also been distributed to all affected LGAs to enhance early detection, while laboratory capacity for stool culture has been strengthened.

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On public sensitisation, Dr Ba’amlong said the government has scaled up awareness through radio, television, and community outreaches. Traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other influencers are being engaged to promote hygiene practices.

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The state is also advocating household water treatment through boiling and chlorination, improved environmental sanitation, and monitoring of contaminated water sources. Residents have been advised to avoid self-medication.

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The commissioner assured that collaboration with the NCDC, WHO, UNICEF, and other partners would continue until the outbreak is fully contained. He urged the public to maintain personal hygiene, drink only safe water, and report suspected cases to the nearest health facility promptly.

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