Nigeria: Diphtheria Claims 23 Lives in Plateau, 143 Suspected Cases Recorded
[Vanguard] JOS - No fewer than 23 persons have died following a suspected outbreak of diphtheria in Plateau State, with health authorities recording 143 suspected cases in the last two weeks.
In Plateau State, Nigeria, a suspected outbreak of diphtheria has claimed 23 lives and left 143 suspected cases recorded over the past two weeks, according to the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Baamlong. Baamlong disclosed this in an interview with Channels Television in Jos, explaining that the state government has intensified efforts to contain the spread of the highly infectious disease.
Nine patients are currently receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital and the Plateau Specialist Hospital, all managed in isolation. The main challenges facing the containment efforts include the shortage of diphtheria antitoxin and the late presentation of patients at health facilities. Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that primarily spreads through respiratory droplets, coughing, sneezing, and close contact with an infected individual.
Baamlong emphasized the need for residents to take preventive measures and seek medical attention promptly when symptoms are noticed. The state is currently seeking support from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, particularly in the form of diphtheria antitoxin and specialized sample collection containers for diagnosis.
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