Five feared dead, 53 infected as cholera hits Plateau
Cholera Outbreak in Plateau State Claims Five Lives
MANGU, Plateau State — A cholera outbreak has resulted in five deaths and 53 confirmed cases in the Mangu Local Government Area, according to state health officials.
Nicholas Ba’amlong, the State Commissioner for Health, disclosed the figures during a press briefing on Monday in Jos, the state capital. He described the situation as serious but indicated that it is manageable with ongoing government efforts and community cooperation.
The outbreak initially began with just eight suspected cases. However, it has since spread to the Pushit, Mangu 1, and Mangu 2 wards, raising concerns about transmission within the affected areas.
“As of June 12, 2026, we have recorded a cumulative total of 53 suspected cases, including 10 rapid diagnostic test-reactive cases and four laboratory-confirmed cases. Sadly, five individuals have died,” Ba’amlong said.
Health officials are urging continued community vigilance to prevent further spread, noting that the ongoing situation poses significant risks to public health.
Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by consuming food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. The disease can spread rapidly in areas with inadequate sanitation and unsafe drinking water, leading to extreme dehydration and, if untreated, can be life-threatening within hours.
