Diphtheria Outbreak Claims 23 Lives in Plateau State

Diphtheria has caused 23 deaths and 143 suspected cases in various communities of Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State. The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Baamlong, reported that most fatalities occurred in the last three weeks as the government intensified containment efforts.

Currently, nine patients are receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital and Plateau Specialist Hospital, isolated from the public. Baamlong identified shortages of diphtheria antitoxin and late presentations of patients as significant challenges.

He noted that the state struggles with confirming suspected cases due to a lack of specialized containers for sample collection. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has been notified, and support is expected for antitoxin and sample containers.

Awareness campaigns are being activated through traditional rulers and stakeholders to educate communities on symptoms, transmission, and prevention of diphtheria. The Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer in Jos North, Baks Bulus, confirmed 15 deaths from 117 suspected cases.