Mirian Gom 
PLATEAU, Nigeria – The Plateau cholera outbreak has reached 537 suspected cases, prompting the state government to intensify surveillance, treatment and public health interventions to curb the spread of the disease.
Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Ba’amlong, discloses the latest figures while briefing journalists on Saturday at the J.D. Gomwalk Secretariat in Jos.
Ba’amlong says 517 patients have recovered and been discharged, while three people remain on admission and 17 deaths have been recorded since the outbreak began.
Laboratory investigations confirm six cases through culture testing, while 26 additional infections are verified using rapid diagnostic tests.
According to the commissioner, Jos North remains the only local government area with active admissions, while Mangu, Barkin Ladi and Jos South currently have no patients receiving treatment.
He attributes the improvement to coordinated efforts involving government agencies, healthcare workers, surveillance teams and development partners.
The government has intensified disease surveillance, case management, environmental sanitation and public awareness campaigns across all local government areas.
Ba’amlong says surveillance officers remain on high alert to detect and respond quickly to suspected infections.
Working with the Ministry of Environment and development partners, including the SURWASH Programme, the government has distributed chlorine to households in vulnerable communities to improve water safety.
Residents are advised to wash their hands regularly, cook food thoroughly, keep their surroundings clean and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as diarrhoea or vomiting.
Ba’amlong assures residents that the government will sustain its response measures while commending Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and other partners for supporting the public health response.
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Korede Abdullah 
