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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Health & Science

Cholera outbreak kills five in Plateau

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Plateau State, Nigeria, has recorded 11 confirmed cholera cases, five deaths, and 53 suspected cases, primarily in the Mangu Local Government Area.
  • The State Ministry of Health is intensifying interventions, including deploying Rapid Response Teams, scaling up treatment centers, and procuring essential medical supplies to contain the outbreak.
  • Health officials urge residents to practice preventive measures such as drinking safe water, maintaining hygiene, and promptly reporting suspected cases.

Plateau State in Nigeria is grappling with a cholera outbreak that has resulted in five deaths among 11 confirmed cases, with an additional 53 suspected cases reported. The outbreak is concentrated in the Pushit, Mangu 1, and Mangu 2 communities within the Mangu Local Government Area.

the State Ministry of Health is intensifying public health interventions to contain the outbreak, prevent further spread and reduce its impact on affected communities.

— Dr Nicholas Baamlong, Plateau State Commissioner for HealthDetailing the proactive measures being taken by the health ministry to combat the cholera outbreak.

In response, the State Ministry of Health is implementing robust public health interventions to control the spread and mitigate the impact of the disease. These measures include deploying additional Rapid Response Teams to affected wards, enhancing treatment and isolation capacities, and expediting the procurement of essential medical supplies like Rapid Diagnostic Test kits and intravenous fluids. The ministry has also activated an Incident Management System to ensure a coordinated and multisectoral response.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, emphasized the state government's commitment to safeguarding residents' health. He urged the public, particularly those in Mangu LGA and neighboring communities, to remain vigilant. Preventive measures advised include consuming safe water, practicing proper hand hygiene, avoiding open defecation, and ensuring adequate waste disposal. Residents are also encouraged to report any suspected cholera cases to the nearest healthcare facility immediately.

The activation of the IMS ensures a coordinated, efficient and accountable response structure in line with national and international emergency response frameworks.

— Dr Nicholas Baamlong, Plateau State Commissioner for HealthExplaining the purpose and benefit of activating the Incident Management System.

The state government is seeking support from development partners and stakeholders to bolster the ongoing response efforts. The activation of the Incident Management System is designed to create an efficient and accountable response structure aligned with national and international emergency response frameworks.

cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease caused by consuming food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.

— Dr Nicholas Baamlong, Plateau State Commissioner for HealthProviding a medical definition and cause of cholera.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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