From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
Commissioner for Health in Plateau state, Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong, has disclosed that the state recorded 441 suspected cholera cases and 14 deaths across four local government areas since the outbreak of the disease in June.
Ba’amlong, who gave the update in Jos on Monday also confirmed 20 positive Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) cases and six laboratory-confirmed cases through culture, with infections affecting 25 wards and 107 settlements.
Commissioner said that the state government is intensifying emergency response measures to curb further spread.
Ba’amlong said that only three patients remain on admission in Jos North Local Government Area, describing the development as an indication that the government’s interventions were yielding results.
According to the commissioner, the disease was first isolated in Mangu Local Government Area in early June 2026, which prompted the ministry to activate a coordinated multi-sectoral emergency response in collaboration with local government councils, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), and development partners.
Ba’amlong said Mangu, which he described as the epicentre of the outbreak, recorded 53 suspected cases, with 10 testing positive through Rapid Diagnostic Tests and four confirmed by laboratory culture, while 10 deaths were reported across nine wards and 64 settlements.
The commissioner noted that there is currently no active cholera case in Mangu, with the last reported case recorded on July 22, 2026.
He said, “Jos North LGA has recorded 277 suspected cases, seven positive Rapid Diagnostic Tests, one laboratory-confirmed case, and four deaths, affecting 61 settlements in 14 wards.
“In Jos South Local Government Area, the commissioner said only one confirmed case was recorded, adding that the patient had been successfully treated and discharged without any fatality.
“Barkin Ladi Local Government Area recorded its first case on July 16, with 23 suspected cases, two positive Rapid Diagnostic Tests, no laboratory-confirmed case, and no death reported, while two settlements in one ward have been affected.
The commissioner warned that even though transmission has been interrupted in Mangu, infections were still being recorded in Jos North, Jos South and Barkin Ladi, indicating continued transmission in some communities.
Ba’amlong attributed many of the fatalities to late presentation at health facilities, urging residents to seek immediate medical attention whenever symptoms of cholera are noticed.
The commissioner said the government has intensified active case searches, expanded community surveillance, strengthened disease reporting across health facilities and ensured the continuous availability of Oral Rehydration Salts, intravenous fluids, antibiotics and other essential medical supplies.
He assured residents of Jos North that additional Oral Rehydration Points will be established in the area, while free or subsidised treatment is being provided at designated cholera treatment centres.
Ba’amlong said healthcare workers in Mangu, Barkin Ladi and Jos North were being trained with the support of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF, while Rapid Diagnostic Test kits had been distributed to all affected local government areas to improve early detection.
The commissioner also assured residents that the state government would sustain its collaboration with the NCDC, WHO, UNICEF and other development partners until the outbreak is fully contained, urging the public to maintain proper hygiene, drink safe water and report suspected cases promptly.
(The Sun)
