The Plateau State Government has intensified efforts to contain a worsening cholera outbreak in Mangu Local Government Area after the number of suspected cases rose sharply to 53, with five deaths recorded across three affected wards.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong, disclosed this during a press briefing in Jos on Monday, describing the situation as serious but manageable with sustained government intervention and community cooperation.

According to the commissioner, the outbreak, which was initially reported with only eight suspected cases, has spread to the Pushit, Mangu 1, and Mangu 2 wards, raising concerns over continued transmission within affected communities.

“As of June 12, 2026, we have recorded a cumulative total of 53 suspected cases, 10 Rapid Diagnostic Test-reactive cases, four laboratory-confirmed cases through culture, and sadly five deaths,” Ba’amlong said.

The commissioner noted that the fatalities included four women and one man, bringing the case fatality rate to 9.43 per cent.

He said the increasing number of infections and the geographical spread of the disease underscored the need for urgent and coordinated public health action.

“The evolving situation indicates expansion of the outbreak, continued community transmission, and a level of severity that demands immediate attention. Our thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones during this difficult period,” he stated.

To strengthen the response, the Plateau State Government has formally activated the Incident Management System (IMS), an emergency coordination framework designed to streamline outbreak response efforts.

As part of the move, Dr. Maren Job has been appointed Incident Manager to oversee all cholera response activities across affected areas.

Ba’amlong explained that the incident manager would coordinate surveillance, treatment, laboratory services, risk communication, water and sanitation interventions, resource mobilisation, and stakeholder engagement.

The government has also deployed additional Rapid Response Teams to affected communities, expanded treatment centres, and commenced emergency procurement of diagnostic kits, intravenous fluids, and essential medicines.

“We are scaling up treatment facilities, strengthening surveillance, and ensuring that patients receive prompt care. No effort is being spared in protecting the lives of our citizens,” the commissioner assured.

Health authorities said active case search and contact tracing had been intensified in affected communities, while community-based surveillance systems have been expanded to improve early detection of new infections.

The ministry also announced the continuation of free or subsidised treatment for cholera patients to eliminate financial barriers that could delay access to care.

Beyond medical interventions, government and health partners have launched aggressive public awareness campaigns aimed at promoting hygiene practices and encouraging early presentation at health facilities.

Traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community influencers have been mobilised to support awareness efforts and counter misinformation.

On the water, sanitation and hygiene front, authorities are promoting household water treatment through boiling and chlorination, environmental sanitation exercises, and house-to-house sensitisation on safe water storage and handling.

Despite progress, Ba’amlong acknowledged several challenges confronting the response, including shortages of rapid diagnostic kits, rising demand for treatment commodities, and logistical difficulties in reaching some remote communities.

He, however, expressed confidence that ongoing collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the World Health Organisation (WHO), and other partners would strengthen containment efforts.

“We are mobilising emergency resources and working closely with our national and international partners to ensure that every gap identified in the response is addressed swiftly,” he added.

The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant by drinking only treated or boiled water, washing hands regularly with soap and clean water, maintaining proper sanitation, and seeking immediate medical attention whenever symptoms such as severe watery diarrhoea and vomiting occur.

“The fight against cholera is a collective responsibility. We call on all residents to cooperate with health workers and strictly observe preventive measures. Together, we can stop the spread of this disease,” Ba’amlong said.

The government pledged to continue providing regular updates as the situation evolves, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding public health and containing the outbreak before it spreads to additional communities. (Channels)