BREAKING: Diphtheria Outbreak Claims 23 Lives in Plateau as 143 Suspected Cases Recorded in Two Weeks

Health authorities in Plateau State are battling a worrying diphtheria outbreak after 23 people reportedly died and 143 suspected cases were recorded within just two weeks.

The Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Nicholas Baamlong, disclosed the figures on Tuesday, September 1, as the government intensified measures to contain the spread of the highly contagious disease. According to Baamlong, 143 suspected cases have been recorded, with 23 deaths and nine patients currently receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos. The affected patients are being managed in isolation as authorities work to prevent further transmission.

The commissioner identified the shortage of diphtheria antitoxin and the late presentation of patients at health facilities as major challenges confronting the response.

“The biggest challenge is getting antitoxin, and most of them are presenting late,” Baamlong said.

The situation has raised concerns because diphtheria can spread rapidly through respiratory droplets, coughing, sneezing, close contact and prolonged association with an infected person.

In another worrying development, Baamlong revealed that health officials are experiencing difficulties confirming suspected cases because the state does not have the specialised containers required to collect and transport samples to laboratories.

“We are having challenges with the diagnosis because the sample is supposed to be collected in a special container so that we can send it for confirmation, but we do not have such containers,” he said.

He added that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) is aware of the situation, with the state hoping to receive assistance with antitoxin and the required sample-collection materials. Meanwhile, the state government has stepped up sensitisation campaigns across affected communities. Baamlong said officials are working with traditional rulers and other stakeholders to educate residents about diphtheria, its symptoms, transmission and preventive measures.

“We have so far activated awareness campaigns in communities through traditional rulers and other stakeholders to curtail the spread,” he said.

Earlier reports from Jos North had recorded 117 suspected cases and 15 deaths before the wider state figure rose to 143 suspected cases and 23 deaths. Health officials have stressed the importance of early medical attention, particularly because delays in treatment can worsen the disease.

The outbreak is therefore putting health authorities on high alert as they work to contain further infections and prevent additional loss of lives.

With 143 suspected cases and 23 deaths reported in just two weeks, Plateau State is facing a serious public health challenge and authorities are racing to bring the outbreak under control.