A cholera outbreak in Plateau State has claimed five lives, with health authorities confirming 11 cases and recording 53 suspected infections in affected communities.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, disclosed that the confirmed and suspected cases were reported in Pushit, Mangu 1 and Mangu 2 communities of Mangu Local Government Area.
According to Baamlong, the Ministry of Health has intensified efforts to contain the outbreak, prevent further transmission and minimise its impact on residents.
He said the government has deployed additional Rapid Response Teams to the affected areas, expanded treatment and isolation facilities, and procured Rapid Diagnostic Test kits, intravenous fluids and other essential medical supplies.
The commissioner also announced the activation of an Incident Management System (IMS) to coordinate a comprehensive and multi-sectoral response to the outbreak.
He explained that the IMS would ensure an efficient and accountable emergency response in line with national and international public health standards.
Baamlong described cholera as an acute diarrhoeal disease caused by consuming food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
He urged residents of Mangu and neighbouring communities to adopt preventive measures, including drinking clean water, maintaining proper hand hygiene, avoiding open defecation and ensuring proper waste disposal.
The commissioner also advised residents to promptly report suspected cholera symptoms to the nearest healthcare facility for immediate treatment.
Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to protecting lives, Baamlong called on development partners and other stakeholders to support ongoing efforts aimed at containing the outbreak and safeguarding affected communities.
