Diphtheria Outbreak in Plateau State Claims 15 Lives

An outbreak of diphtheria in parts of Jos North local government area of Plateau State has led to the deaths of 15 individuals among 117 suspected cases reported, according to health authorities. Baks Bulus, the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer for Jos North, provided this information during a press interaction on Tuesday.

The fatalities occurred within three days of the outbreak, and Bulus cautioned that the number of cases could escalate if immediate measures are not implemented to control the disease. Among the deceased were two siblings aged between 12 and 17 years.

Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that spreads through close contact with infected individuals, and sharing personal items can heighten the risk of transmission. Bulus emphasized that vaccination is a crucial preventive measure against severe complications and fatalities from diphtheria, noting that vaccinated children may experience milder effects, while unvaccinated children face a higher risk of death.