Plateau State has recorded 441 suspected cholera cases and 14 deaths across four LGAs since June 2026 as government expands surveillance, treatment and public awareness efforts.
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| Health workers attending to patients at a cholera treatment centre in Plateau State. |
JOS, PLATEAU STATE — The Plateau State Government has confirmed 441 suspected cholera cases and 14 deaths across four Local Government Areas since the outbreak began in June 2026, prompting authorities to intensify surveillance, treatment and public awareness efforts.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Ba'amlong, disclosed the figures during a press briefing in Jos, saying the outbreak has affected communities in Mangu, Jos North, Jos South and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas.
According to the commissioner, health authorities have recorded 20 Rapid Diagnostic Test-reactive cases and six laboratory-confirmed cases since the outbreak began.
The disease has so far affected 25 wards and 127 settlements, highlighting the need for sustained intervention across the affected areas.
Dr. Ba'amlong said the state government, working with national and international health partners, has expanded its emergency response to prevent further transmission and reduce avoidable deaths.
Jos North Local Government Area has recorded the highest number of suspected cases since the outbreak began.
According to data released by the Ministry of Health, the LGA has reported 277 suspected cases, representing more than half of the total number recorded across the four affected local government areas.
Health authorities have also documented seven RDT-reactive cases, one laboratory-confirmed case and four deaths in Jos North.
The outbreak has affected 61 settlements across 14 wards in the local government area.
The concentration of cases in Jos North has prompted health officials to strengthen surveillance and public health interventions in affected communities.
Authorities are also working with local councils and community structures to improve early detection and encourage residents to seek medical attention as soon as symptoms appear.
Mangu Local Government Area, where the outbreak was first reported, has been declared transmission-free, according to the state government.
Dr. Ba'amlong said the last reported case in the area was recorded on July 22, 2026.
The development represents a significant milestone in the state's response, although health authorities are expected to maintain surveillance to detect and respond quickly to any new cases.
Public health officials say the progress in Mangu demonstrates the importance of early detection, prompt treatment, community awareness and coordinated intervention during disease outbreaks.
However, residents have been advised to continue observing recommended hygiene and sanitation practices, particularly during the rainy season when waterborne diseases can spread more easily.
The Plateau State Ministry of Health said it is working with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and local government councils to strengthen the state's cholera response.
The intervention includes enhanced disease surveillance, free treatment at designated cholera treatment centres, training for healthcare workers and intensified public awareness campaigns.
Health teams are also working to identify suspected cases quickly and ensure that patients receive appropriate care.
The government said the response is being coordinated across several public health pillars, including surveillance, laboratory services, case management, risk communication and community engagement.
The collaboration is intended to improve the speed of response and reduce the risk of the disease spreading to additional communities.
Dr. Ba'amlong expressed concern that many of the deaths recorded during the outbreak were associated with late presentation at health facilities.
He urged residents experiencing symptoms associated with cholera to seek medical attention immediately rather than relying on self-medication or delaying treatment.
Cholera can cause severe diarrhoea, vomiting and rapid dehydration. Without prompt treatment, the illness can become life-threatening, particularly among children, older persons and people with underlying health challenges.
The commissioner said early treatment can significantly improve recovery and reduce the risk of death.
Residents were encouraged to report suspected cases to the nearest health facility and cooperate with health workers conducting surveillance and public awareness activities.
The government has called on residents to maintain good hygiene and sanitation practices to reduce the risk of infection.
Residents are advised to drink safe and properly treated water, wash their hands regularly with soap and clean water, prepare food hygienically and avoid open defecation.
Communities have also been encouraged to protect water sources from contamination and promptly report suspected cases to health authorities.
The Plateau State Government said it remains committed to containing the outbreak and protecting residents across affected communities.
Prime Brief Media will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as additional verified information becomes available from the Plateau State Ministry of Health and relevant public health agencies.
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