Nigeria: Diphtheria - Jos North Steps Up Surveillance As Plateau Intensifies Response
[Premium Times] The intervention comes amid reported diphtheria cases in Jos North, where 117 suspected cases and 15 deaths had been recorded as of 1 September, according to health authorities
Diphtheria cases and deaths have been reported in Jos North, Nigeria, prompting local authorities to ramp up surveillance and community outreach. From September 1, a total of 117 suspected cases and 15 deaths had been recorded in the area. In response, the Jos North Local Government has intensified its disease surveillance and provided motorcycles to its health department to improve field surveillance, contact tracing, and community outreach.
This move aims to allow health workers to reach more communities quickly, conduct follow-up visits, collect samples, and identify suspected cases, especially in hard-to-access areas.
Plateau State has also reported suspected cases in other local government areas, prompting the state government to temporarily close primary and secondary schools. The Jos North Local Government has been collaborating with the state Ministry of Health to strengthen surveillance, case management, and community mobilization. Chairman John Christopher emphasized the importance of these motorcycles in ensuring health workers can respond promptly to suspected cases, stating, "These motorcycles will help you reach every corner. Be proactive, be professional and make sure no community is left behind."
Martha Kummiap, the council's director of health, explained that the motorcycles would enhance the department's ability to conduct regular field visits, trace exposed individuals, and expedite the referral of suspected cases to health facilities. The council has also initiated radio sensitization and community outreach to educate residents about diphtheria and preventive measures.
Diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable bacterial disease that can spread through respiratory droplets and close contact, potentially causing serious complications and death if treatment is delayed. Health authorities have urged residents to ensure their children receive routine vaccinations and to seek medical attention promptly if symptoms such as sore throat, fever, or difficulty breathing occur.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
