The Plateau State Government has confirmed 14 deaths and 441 suspected cases of cholera across four local government areas since the outbreak began in June 2026.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Ba’amlong, disclosed this on Monday in Jos while providing an update on the state’s emergency response to the disease.
According to him, 20 cases have tested positive through Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs), while six have been laboratory-confirmed through stool culture.
“The infections have so far affected 25 wards and 107 settlements across the state,” the commissioner said.
Dr Ba’amlong noted that only three patients remain on admission, all in Jos North Local Government Area, describing the development as a sign that government interventions are beginning to produce positive results.
He explained that the outbreak was first detected in Mangu Local Government Area in early June, which remains the epicentre of the disease. Mangu recorded 53 suspected cases, 10 RDT-positive cases, four laboratory-confirmed cases and 10 deaths across nine wards and 64 settlements.
The commissioner added that there are currently no active cases in Mangu, with the last reported case recorded on July 22, 2026.
In Jos North, the state recorded 277 suspected cases, seven RDT-positive cases, one laboratory-confirmed case and four deaths across 14 wards and 61 settlements.
He said Jos South recorded one confirmed case, which was successfully treated and discharged without any fatalities, while Barkin Ladi recorded its first case on July 16. The council has so far reported 23 suspected cases, two RDT-positive cases, no laboratory-confirmed cases and no deaths, affecting two settlements in one ward.
Although transmission has been interrupted in Mangu, Dr Ba’amlong warned that fresh cases are still being recorded in Jos North, Jos South and Barkin Ladi, indicating that the outbreak is yet to be fully contained.
He attributed many of the fatalities to the late presentation of patients at health facilities and urged residents to seek medical attention immediately they notice symptoms.
The commissioner said the Ministry of Health has activated a multi-sectoral emergency response in collaboration with local government councils, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and other development partners.
According to him, the response includes intensified active case searches, expanded community surveillance, strengthened disease reporting, and the continuous supply of Oral Rehydration Salts, intravenous fluids, antibiotics and other essential medical supplies.
He added that additional Oral Rehydration Points will be established in Jos North, while free and subsidised treatment is being provided at designated cholera treatment centres.
Healthcare workers in Mangu, Barkin Ladi and Jos North are also undergoing specialised training with support from WHO and UNICEF. Rapid Diagnostic Test kits have been distributed to affected local government areas, while laboratory capacity for stool culture has been strengthened to improve early detection.
On public awareness, Dr Ba’amlong said the government has intensified sensitisation campaigns through radio, television and community outreach programmes. Traditional rulers, religious leaders and community influencers are also being engaged to promote proper hygiene practices.
The state government is advocating household water treatment through boiling and chlorination, improved environmental sanitation, and close monitoring of contaminated water sources. Residents have also been advised to avoid self-medication and report suspected cases promptly.
The commissioner assured residents that the government would continue working with the NCDC, WHO, UNICEF and other partners until the outbreak is fully contained, urging the public to maintain good personal hygiene, drink only safe water and seek immediate medical care whenever symptoms appear.
