The Plateau State Government has confirmed a cholera outbreak in Mangu Local Government Area, with 11 confirmed cases, five deaths and 53 suspected infections recorded so far.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, disclosed that the cases were reported in Pushit, Mangu 1 and Mangu 2 communities, raising concerns over the spread of the disease in the affected areas.
According to the commissioner, the Ministry of Health has intensified emergency response efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent more fatalities. He revealed that additional response teams have been deployed, treatment centres expanded, and critical medical supplies including rapid diagnostic test kits, intravenous fluids and essential drugs have been procured.
Baamlong also announced the activation of an Incident Management System (IMS) to coordinate a comprehensive response in line with national and international health emergency standards.
Describing cholera as a deadly waterborne disease caused by contaminated food and water, he urged residents to adopt preventive measures such as drinking clean water, practising proper hand hygiene, avoiding open defecation and ensuring proper waste disposal.
He further advised residents to immediately report any suspected cholera symptoms to the nearest healthcare facility for prompt treatment.
The Plateau State Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting residents and appealed to development partners and stakeholders to support ongoing efforts to curb the outbreak.
Source: NAN
