A suspected diphtheria outbreak in Plateau State has claimed 23 lives, with 143 cases recorded over the past two weeks as health authorities intensify measures to contain the spread.
The Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Baamlong, disclosed the figures, saying nine patients were still receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and the Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos.
Baamlong said patients were being managed in isolation, while the state government had commenced community awareness campaigns involving traditional rulers and other stakeholders to prevent further transmission.
According to him, the response is being hampered by shortages of diphtheria antitoxin, while many patients arrive at health facilities late, reducing the chances of effective treatment.
“The biggest challenge is getting antitoxin, and most of them are presenting late,” the commissioner said.
He explained that diphtheria is highly infectious and can be transmitted through close contact, coughing and sneezing, underscoring the need for residents to seek medical attention promptly when symptoms emerge.
The state is also facing difficulties in confirming suspected infections because it lacks specialised containers required for collecting and transporting samples to laboratories.
Baamlong said the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) had been informed of the situation, with the state seeking assistance to obtain both the antitoxin and specialised sample containers needed for diagnosis.
The outbreak is reportedly concentrated in Rikkos community in Jos North Local Government Area, where authorities are engaging community leadership as part of efforts to limit further spread.
Health officials have warned that the situation requires urgent intervention, particularly through early detection, appropriate treatment, community mobilisation and strengthened disease surveillance.
Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that can spread rapidly, particularly among people in close contact with infected persons.
