Plateau registra 14 morti per colera, 441 casi sospetti

Plateau State has recorded 14 deaths and 441 suspected cases of cholera across four local government areas since the outbreak began in June 2026, according to the state's Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Ba’amlong. The update was given during a press briefing in Jos on Monday, as part of the government’s ongoing emergency response to the epidemic. The outbreak was first identified in Mangu Local Government Area in early June, which continues to serve as the epicenter. As of the latest report, Mangu has accounted for 53 suspected cases, 10 confirmed via rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), four laboratory-confirmed cases, and 10 deaths spread across nine wards and 64 settlements. Transmission has been interrupted in Mangu, with the last case reported on July 22, 2026. However, the situation remains active in other regions of the state, including Jos North, Jos South, and Barkin Ladi. In Jos North, the highest number of cases has been recorded, with 277 suspected cases, seven RDT-positive cases, one laboratory-confirmed case, and four deaths affecting 14 wards and 61 settlements. Jos South reported one confirmed case, which was successfully treated and discharged without fatality. Barkin Ladi, meanwhile, has seen its first case on July 16, with 23 suspected cases, two RDT-positive cases, and no deaths reported so far, impacting two settlements within one ward. Dr Ba’amlong stated that only three patients remain hospitalized, all located in Jos North LGA. This, he noted, reflects the effectiveness of current government interventions. The commissioner emphasized that many of the deaths were due to delayed medical attention, urging residents to seek immediate care upon noticing symptoms. To combat the outbreak, the Ministry of Health has initiated a multi-sectoral emergency response involving local government councils, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and other development partners. Key strategies include enhanced active case searching, expanded community surveillance, and improved disease reporting systems. The government has also ensured a steady supply of oral rehydration salts, intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and other critical supplies. Additional Oral Rehydration Points are set to be established in Jos North, and free and subsidized treatment is available at designated cholera treatment centers. Healthcare workers in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, and Jos North are receiving specialized training with support from WHO and UNICEF. RDT kits have been distributed to all affected local government areas, and laboratory capacities for stool cultures have been upgraded to improve early diagnosis. Public awareness campaigns have been intensified through radio, television, and direct community outreach. Traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other influential figures are being engaged to encourage better hygiene practices among the population. The state is promoting household water treatment methods such as boiling and chlorination, improving environmental sanitation, and monitoring contaminated water sources. Residents have been advised against self-medicating and instead to consult health professionals promptly. The commissioner assured continued collaboration with NCDC, WHO, UNICEF, and other partners until the outbreak is fully controlled. He reiterated the importance of maintaining personal hygiene, consuming only safe water, and reporting suspected cases to nearby health facilities immediately.