Diphtheria Outbreak: 15 Dead, 117 Suspected Cases Reported in Plateau.

An outbreak of diphtheria in parts of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State has killed 15 people, with 117 suspected cases recorded, health authorities have disclosed.

The Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO) for Jos North, Baks Bulus, revealed the figures on Tuesday while speaking with journalists in Jos.

According to Bulus, the deaths were recorded within three days of the outbreak. He warned that the number of cases could rise if urgent measures were not taken to contain the disease.

“According to the data gathered from the affected communities, 117 people are suspected to have contracted the disease, while 15 deaths have already been recorded,” he said.

Bulus disclosed that two siblings, aged between 12 and 17, were among those who died.

He explained that diphtheria is a bacterial infection that can spread from person to person, particularly through close contact with an infected individual. He added that sharing personal items such as utensils and towels could increase the risk of transmission.

The health official stressed that vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent severe complications and deaths from diphtheria.

He advised residents of affected communities to maintain proper hygiene, avoid overcrowded places and seek medical attention promptly if they develop symptoms associated with the disease.

Bulus also warned against self-medication and relying solely on patent medicine vendors, urging residents to visit primary healthcare centres for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Health workers have reportedly been deployed to the affected communities to strengthen disease surveillance, sensitise residents and help prevent further transmission.

The DSNO further urged parents and guardians to ensure that their children receive all recommended doses of diphtheria-containing vaccines.

Meanwhile, efforts to obtain further information from the Plateau State Ministry of Health were unsuccessful, as the State Epidemiologist, Maren Job, did not respond to calls.

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