Diphtheria: Death toll rises to 23 as disease spreads to Plateau LGAs

In Plateau State, a diphtheria outbreak has claimed 23 lives and affected 143 suspected individuals over the past two weeks, according to health officials. The increase in cases was reported shortly after 15 deaths and 117 suspected cases were documented in Jos North Local Government Area (LGA). Dr Nicholas Baamlong, the Plateau State Commissioner for Health, addressed the growing concern in an interview.

Baamlong highlighted that nine patients are currently receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital and the Plateau Specialist Hospital, all under isolation centers. The state government is ramping up its efforts to curb the disease's spread by intensifying surveillance, public education, and other containment measures. Challenges, however, persist, including the scarcity of diphtheria antitoxin and patients presenting late at health facilities.

The commissioner emphasized that diphtheria can spread through close contact, coughing, and sneezing, urging residents to adopt preventive measures and seek medical help promptly upon noticing symptoms. The state faces difficulties in confirming suspected cases due to the absence of specialized containers for sample collection and transportation, which are crucial for laboratory diagnosis.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has been informed of the situation, and the state is anticipating assistance, particularly in the form of antitoxin supply and specialized containers. Baamlong reported that awareness campaigns have been initiated across communities, utilizing traditional rulers and other stakeholders to educate residents about diphtheria's symptoms, transmission, and prevention.