The diphtheria outbreak in Plateau State has continued to raise concern as the number of suspected cases climbed to about 300, with 25 deaths recorded, mostly involving children, according to the latest reports from health authorities.
The Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Ba’amlong, disclosed that suspected cases had risen sharply from about 146 previously reported cases to 300, with Jos North Local Government Area, particularly the Rikkos community, identified as the most affected area.
The latest development comes days after the state government ordered the temporary closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state from September 7, following the detection of suspected cases in Jos North, Jos South, Bassa and Wase Local Government Areas.
The government said the school closure was a precautionary measure aimed at reducing transmission among pupils, students and school staff while health authorities intensify surveillance and response activities.
Ba’amlong said some patients are currently receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and the Plateau Specialist Hospital, where isolation facilities have been provided for suspected cases.
Health authorities have also intensified community sensitisation, vaccination and surveillance activities across the state. In Jos North, the local government has deployed additional logistics, including motorcycles, to strengthen contact tracing, field surveillance and community outreach.
The Commissioner said samples from suspected cases had been sent to Abuja for laboratory analysis, while the shortage of diphtheria antitoxin remains one of the challenges confronting the response.
Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can spread through respiratory droplets and close contact. Health officials have urged residents to maintain good hygiene, avoid overcrowded environments and seek medical attention promptly when symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough, difficulty swallowing or weakness occur.
Authorities have also continued to stress the importance of vaccination, particularly ensuring that children receive and complete routine immunisation, as vaccination remains a key measure for preventing diphtheria.
At the national level, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has identified Plateau among eight states accounting for the overwhelming majority of confirmed diphtheria cases in the country.
With the situation still evolving, health authorities are expected to continue surveillance, vaccination, contact tracing and public awareness efforts as the state works to contain the outbreak and prevent further loss of lives.
