Nigeria: Diphtheria Outbreak Kills 15, Infects 117 in Plateau

What the report says

Health authorities in Plateau State say a diphtheria outbreak in parts of Jos North Local Government Area has so far been linked to 15 deaths and 117 suspected infections. The report, published by Premium Times and distributed by AllAfrica, quoted the Jos North Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer, Baks Bulus, who said the deaths occurred within three days of the outbreak and that the case count could rise without urgent containment measures.

The official said the suspected cases were gathered from affected communities and noted that two of the people who died were siblings aged 12 to 17. He described diphtheria as a bacterial illness that spreads through close contact and shared personal items, and said vaccination is one of the most effective ways to reduce severe illness and death. He also urged residents to avoid overcrowding, keep good hygiene, and seek care quickly if symptoms appear.

Bulus warned against self-medication and relying only on patent medicine vendors, saying suspected cases should be taken to primary health centres. Health workers have been deployed to affected communities to step up surveillance and public awareness, and parents and guardians were asked to ensure children receive recommended diphtheria vaccines.

The report said efforts to reach the Plateau State Ministry of Health and the state epidemiologist for additional comment were unsuccessful. Diphtheria remains a vaccine-preventable disease, so outbreaks can be especially dangerous where immunization coverage is incomplete.