Plateau records 14 cholera deaths, 441 suspected cases

Plateau State has registered 441 suspected cholera cases and 14 fatalities across four local government areas since the outbreak began in June, according to the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Ba'amlong. The infections have spread across 25 wards and 107 settlements, with 20 cases testing positive via Rapid Diagnostic Tests and six confirmed through laboratory stool cultures.

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The infections have so far affected 25 wards and 107 settlements across the state.

Mangu Local Government Area, identified as the outbreak's epicenter, has reported 53 suspected cases, 10 RDT-positive cases, four laboratory-confirmed cases, and 10 deaths. While Mangu has no active cases since July 22, transmission persists in Jos North, Jos South, and Barkin Ladi. Jos North has the highest number of suspected cases at 277, with four deaths, and ongoing transmission. Jos South and Barkin Ladi have also reported cases, though with fewer fatalities.

Dr. Ba'amlong attributed many deaths to delayed medical attention and urged residents to seek immediate care upon symptom onset. The Ministry of Health has activated a multi-sectoral response, working with local councils, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO, UNICEF, and other partners. Interventions include enhanced active case searches, expanded community surveillance, and consistent supply of medical essentials like Oral Rehydration Salts and antibiotics.

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Mangu recorded 53 suspected cases, 10 RDT-positive cases, four laboratory-confirmed cases, and 10 deaths across nine wards and 64 settlements.

Additional Oral Rehydration Points are being established in Jos North, and free or subsidized treatment is available at designated cholera treatment centers. Healthcare workers in affected areas are receiving training to bolster response capabilities. The government emphasizes that ongoing transmission in parts of the state necessitates continued vigilance and adherence to public health advisements.

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While transmission has been interrupted in Mangu, Dr Ba’amlong warned that cases are still being recorded in Jos North, Jos South, and Barkin Ladi, indicating ongoing transmission in parts of the state.