PLATEAU STEPS UP CHOLERA RESPONSE AS CASES RISE TO 537, DEATHS HIT 17

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By ‘Sefiu Ajape

The Plateau State Government says it is implementing a range of interventions to contain the cholera outbreak in the state as the number of suspected cases rises to 537.

The Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Nicholas Ba’amlong, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the J.D. Gomwalk Secretariat in Jos on the latest situation of the outbreak.

Ba’amlong said 517 patients had been successfully treated and discharged, while three others were currently receiving treatment in health facilities. He added that the state had recorded 17 deaths since the outbreak began, including three additional deaths since the last update.

The commissioner said six cases had tested positive through culture, while 26 others were confirmed positive through rapid diagnostic testing.

He explained that Jos North was currently the only local government area with active cases on admission, with three patients receiving treatment.

Ba’amlong said affected areas, including Mangu, Barkin Ladi, and Jos South, had no patients currently on admission, attributing the progress to coordinated efforts by the state government, health workers, surveillance teams, and development partners.

He said the government had intensified surveillance, public health education, case management, and environmental sanitation across the state.

According to him, surveillance officers had been placed on active alert in all local government areas to promptly detect and respond to suspected cases.

The commissioner disclosed that the government was also working with relevant ministries and development partners, particularly the Ministry of Environment, to address sanitation and environmental conditions that could contribute to the spread of the disease.

He said that, in collaboration with the SURWASH programme, chlorine had been provided to households, particularly in areas where water sources were identified as a concern, to enable residents to treat their water and make it safe for consumption and domestic use.

Ba’amlong urged residents to maintain proper hygiene by washing their hands regularly, particularly after using the toilet and before handling food.

He also advised residents to properly cook food and keep their surroundings and toilets clean.

The commissioner called on anyone experiencing symptoms such as frequent diarrhoea and vomiting to seek medical attention promptly, stressing that early presentation would improve the chances of effective treatment and recovery.

He assured residents that the government would continue to monitor the situation and sustain its interventions to prevent further spread of the disease.

Ba’amlong commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang for supporting the state’s public health emergency response and appreciated development partners, including the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and other stakeholders, for their continued support.

He urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with health authorities, and adhere strictly to recommended preventive measures.