Jos – The Plateau State Government has confirmed a cholera outbreak that has resulted in three deaths and five confirmed cases, with 20 others under suspicion. This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, during a press briefing in Jos.
Dr. Baamlong revealed that the confirmed cases emerged from the Ngyong, Hurti, and Wurit communities in Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA). In response, the state’s Ministry of Health has activated its incident management system to coordinate a swift, multi-sectoral response to the outbreak.
He announced that the State Epidemiologist has been appointed as the Incident Manager for the crisis, with responsibilities including the establishment of oral rehydration centres in the affected communities and setting up cholera treatment units at the Bokkos General Hospital.
The Incident Manager is also tasked with overseeing case surveillance, medical management, and community risk communication strategies.
Dr. Baamlong linked the outbreak to poor sanitation, lack of clean water access, and population displacement caused by recent attacks in the Bokkos area. He urged residents to evacuate suspected cholera patients to designated treatment centres immediately.
“Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal illness caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae,” he noted, stressing the importance of hygiene and early detection.
The commissioner encouraged residents of Bokkos and nearby communities to remain alert, adopt strict hygiene practices, and report any suspected symptoms to the nearest health facility without delay.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to protecting public health and appealed to development partners and health agencies for support in tackling the ongoing emergency.
— Hobnob News
About The Author
