By Pwanagba Agabus, Jos
The Plateau State Government has intensified efforts to contain a cholera outbreak in Mangu Local Government Area following a sharp rise in infections and fatalities.
The outbreak, initially reported with only eight suspected cases, has now spread across Pushit, Mangu 1 and Mangu 2 wards, with health authorities recording 53 suspected cases and five deaths.
Speaking at a press briefing in Jos, the Commissioner for Health, Nicholas Ba’amlong, described the situation as serious but manageable through coordinated intervention and community cooperation.
He disclosed that as of June 12, 2026, the state had recorded 53 suspected cases, 10 Rapid Diagnostic Test-reactive cases and four laboratory-confirmed infections.
“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.
The commissioner said the fatalities involved four women and one man, bringing the case fatality rate to 9.43 per cent.
He warned that the growing number of infections and the spread of the disease to more communities underscored the need for urgent public health action.
“The evolving situation indicates expansion of the outbreak, continued community transmission, and a level of severity that demands immediate attention. Our thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones during this difficult period,” he said.
To strengthen the response, the state government has activated the Incident Management System (IMS), an emergency coordination framework designed to streamline outbreak control efforts.
