The Plateau State Government says it has successfully contained the cholera outbreak recorded in two local government areas of the state since July 2026.
State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, disclosed this on Saturday while giving an update on the health situation in the state.
According to him, the affected areas are Jos North and Mangu Local Government Areas where cases of the waterborne disease were earlier reported.
Baamlong said health officials were immediately deployed to the affected communities to carry out interventions aimed at preventing further transmission of the disease.
He explained that the government activated its emergency response mechanism and worked with partners to ensure rapid treatment of patients and tracing of contacts.
“Measures put in place include the provision of oral rehydration points, distribution of water purification tablets, and intensified public sensitization on hygiene,” the commissioner stated.
He noted that surveillance teams have been monitoring the situation closely to detect and respond to any new cases promptly.
Baamlong added that health workers also embarked on community sensitization to educate residents on the importance of safe drinking water, proper sanitation and hand washing.
The commissioner said the government has taken deliberate steps to bring the outbreak under control and to protect residents in the affected communities from further exposure.
He commended health workers, traditional rulers and community leaders for their cooperation in ensuring that the response was effective.
Baamlong, however, urged residents across the state to remain vigilant and continue to practice good hygiene, especially as the rainy season increases the risk of cholera transmission.
He assured that the state government, in collaboration with federal health agencies and development partners, will sustain efforts to strengthen disease surveillance and response systems across Plateau State.
The commissioner further revealed that temporary treatment centers were set up in Jos North and Mangu to manage confirmed cases and prevent overcrowding at general hospitals. He said the facilities were equipped with essential drugs and medical supplies to ensure patients received prompt care.
Baamlong also disclosed that water sources in the affected areas have been tested and treated, while market sanitation exercises were carried out to reduce the risk of contamination. He added that food vendors were sensitized on safe food handling practices as part of preventive measures.
He called on residents to report any suspected cases of diarrhea and vomiting to the nearest health facility immediately, stressing that early treatment remains key to preventing deaths. The commissioner reiterated that cholera is preventable and the government remains committed to protecting public health across all 17 LGAs of the state.
