At least five persons have been confirmed dead following a cholera outbreak in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong, disclosed this during a press briefing in Jos on Monday, June 15, describing the situation as serious but manageable with sustained government intervention and community cooperation.
According to him, the outbreak, which was initially reported with only eight suspected cases, has now spread to Pushit, Mangu 1, and Mangu 2 wards, raising concerns over continued transmission within affected communities.
“As of June 12, 2026, 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.
He explained that the state government has intensified surveillance, treatment, and public health response measures in collaboration with relevant health agencies to contain the spread of the disease.
Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by consuming food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It spreads rapidly in areas with poor sanitation and unsafe drinking water, and can lead to severe dehydration and death within hours if untreated.
Health authorities have urged residents of affected communities to maintain strict hygiene practices, ensure access to safe drinking water, and report symptoms early to prevent further fatalities.