Diphtheria outbreak kills 15, infects 117 in Plateau
A diphtheria outbreak in Jos North, Plateau State, Nigeria, has claimed 15 lives among 117 suspected cases. Health authorities are urging urgent measures, emphasizing vaccination, good hygiene, and prompt medical attention to contain the disease.
Why it matters
This outbreak highlights ongoing public health challenges in regions with limited healthcare access and vaccination rates, posing a significant risk to community health and requiring immediate intervention.
An outbreak of diphtheria in parts of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State has killed 15 people among 117 suspected cases reported, health authorities have said.
The Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO) for Jos North, Baks Bulus, disclosed this on Tuesday during an interaction with journalists in Jos.
Mr Bulus said the deaths were recorded within three days of the outbreak, warning that the number of cases could increase if urgent measures were not taken to contain the disease.
“So far, according to the data we have gathered from the communities, 117 people are suspected to have contracted the disease. Out of this number, we have already recorded 15 deaths,” he said.
Among those who died were two siblings aged between 12 and 17 years, according to the official.
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