Five individuals have been confirmed dead following a cholera outbreak in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State. The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong, disclosed this during a press briefing in Jos on Monday, June 15. He described the situation as serious but manageable with sustained government intervention and community cooperation.
Spread of the Outbreak
According to the commissioner, the outbreak, which was initially reported with only eight suspected cases, has spread to the Pushit, Mangu 1, and Mangu 2 wards, raising concerns over continued transmission within affected communities.
“As of June 12, 2026, we have recorded a cumulative total of 53 suspected cases, 10 Rapid Diagnostic Test-reactive cases, four laboratory-confirmed cases through culture, and sadly five deaths,” Ba’amlong said.
Understanding Cholera
Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by consuming food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It spreads rapidly in areas with poor sanitation and unsafe drinking water, and it can cause severe, life-threatening dehydration within hours if left untreated.
