Diphtheria Outbreak Death Toll Rises To 23 In Plateau

Twenty-three people have died from suspected diphtheria in Plateau State, with 143 cases recorded within two weeks as health authorities intensify efforts to contain the outbreak.

The outbreak is concentrated in the Rikkos community of Jos North Local Government Area, where the number of reported infections and fatalities has risen sharply.

Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Ba’amlong, disclosed the figures, saying nine patients are currently receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and Plateau State Specialist Hospital in Jos.

“So far we have 143 suspected cases, we have had 23 deaths and nine currently on admission at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, JUTH and the Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Jos,” Ba’amlong said.

The latest figures represent an increase from the 15 deaths and 117 suspected infections previously reported, highlighting the rapid progression of the outbreak within the affected community.

According to the commissioner, patients undergoing treatment have been isolated to limit further transmission. The state government has also activated community-based awareness campaigns, working with traditional rulers and other stakeholders to educate residents about the disease and appropriate preventive measures.

Ba’amlong said the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) had been informed of the situation, while the state was awaiting assistance with diphtheria antitoxin and specialised containers required for collecting samples.

“The NCDC is aware, and we are hoping that they will assist us with the antitoxin and the special containers,” he said.

The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and seek medical attention promptly when symptoms associated with diphtheria emerge.

Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can spread through respiratory droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Transmission can also occur through close contact with an infected individual or contaminated objects.

Early diagnosis and treatment are considered crucial in reducing complications and fatalities, while vaccination remains a major preventive measure against the disease.

The Plateau State Government is therefore relying on increased public sensitization and cooperation from community leaders to limit further spread, particularly within densely populated areas.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has announced plans to detect more than 500,000 new tuberculosis cases across Nigeria this year. Treatment coverage for tuberculosis reached approximately 89 per cent in 2025, according to government figures.

The twin public health developments underscore continuing efforts by authorities to strengthen disease surveillance, improve access to treatment and prevent avoidable deaths from infectious diseases across the country.