The Plateau State Government has intensified emergency measures to contain a cholera outbreak in Mangu Local Government Area after suspected cases surged to 53, with five deaths recorded across three affected wards.
Speaking at a press briefing in Jos, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Ba’amlong, said the outbreak had expanded beyond initial expectations but remained manageable with coordinated intervention and public cooperation.
The outbreak, which was initially reported with eight suspected cases, has now spread across Pushit, Mangu 1 and Mangu 2 wards, prompting authorities to escalate containment efforts.
“As of last week, 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.
According to the commissioner, the deaths involved four women and one man, resulting in a case fatality rate of 9.43%.
“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 added.
In response, the state government has activated its Incident Management System (IMS), an emergency coordination framework aimed at strengthening surveillance, treatment, laboratory services and public health interventions.
Dr Maren Job has been appointed Incident Manager to oversee all cholera response operations in the affected communities.
Ba’amlong said the government had deployed additional Rapid Response Teams, 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,” he said.
Health authorities have also intensified active case searches and contact tracing, while community-based surveillance systems have been expanded to improve early detection of new infections.
The commissioner announced that free or subsidised treatment for cholera patients would continue to ensure that cost does not prevent affected residents from seeking medical care.
Public awareness campaigns have also been launched across the affected areas, with traditional rulers, religious leaders and community influencers mobilised to promote hygiene practices and combat misinformation.
Authorities are encouraging residents to treat drinking water through boiling or chlorination, maintain proper sanitation and observe safe water storage practices as part of efforts to curb transmission.
Despite ongoing interventions, Ba’amlong acknowledged challenges including shortages of rapid diagnostic kits, increasing demand for treatment supplies and difficulties accessing some remote communities.
He expressed confidence that support from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners would help close critical gaps in the response.
“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 said.
The commissioner urged residents to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as severe watery diarrhoea and vomiting.
“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 state government said it would continue to provide updates on the outbreak as efforts intensify to prevent further spread of the disease to additional communities.
