Five people have died in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State as cholera spreads rapidly across the region. Another 11 patients are currently receiving treatment in hospitals.
Dr Nicholas Baamlong, the state's Commissioner for Health, made the disclosure on Sunday in Jos. He confirmed that 52 suspected cases have been recorded so far.
Pushit, Mangu I and Mangu II communities are the hardest hit areas. Infections have been confirmed across all three locations.
The Ministry of Health has ramped up its response to contain the outbreak. Officials are working to prevent further transmission and protect vulnerable populations.
Rapid Response Teams have been sent to affected wards across the local government. Treatment centres and isolation facilities have been expanded to handle patient overflow.
Emergency supplies arrived in the state recently. Items include Rapid Diagnostic Test kits, intravenous fluids, and critical medicines.
An Incident Management System has been activated to coordinate the multi-sectoral response. According to Baamlong, this ensures efficiency and accountability in line with global emergency protocols.
Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease spread through contaminated water and food. The bacterium responsible is Vibrio cholera.
Residents must adopt preventive measures immediately. Safe water consumption, proper hand hygiene, and avoiding open defecation are critical steps.
Waste disposal practices need urgent improvement in affected communities. Poor sanitation has worsened the outbreak's spread.
Anyone showing symptoms must seek treatment without delay. Early intervention at health facilities improves survival chances significantly.
Baamlong urged Mangu residents and neighbouring communities to remain vigilant. He appealed to development partners to support response efforts.
Borno State is also grappling with a separate cholera outbreak. Authorities there have reported multiple fatalities from the disease.
The Plateau State government remains committed to protecting public health. Officials say they'll sustain ongoing containment measures until the outbreak is eliminated.
