Jos North Enhances Surveillance Amid Diphtheria Outbreak

The Jos North local government has intensified its response to a diphtheria outbreak in Plateau state by enhancing disease surveillance and community sensitization efforts. On Tuesday, the council’s chairman, John Christopher, delivered motorcycles to the local government’s health directorate to bolster field surveillance, contact tracing, and community outreach.

This initiative aims to enable health workers to access communities more efficiently, conduct follow-up visits, collect samples, and identify suspected cases, especially in hard-to-reach areas. As of September 1, health authorities reported 117 suspected diphtheria cases and 15 deaths in the region.

Additionally, suspected cases have also been reported in the neighboring local government areas of Jos South, Bassa, and Wase, indicating a broader public health concern in Plateau state.