Commissioner Nicholas Baamlong says 143 suspected cases have been recorded, with patients receiving treatment as officials step up efforts to contain further transmission.
By Wapcodehub9ja LIVE News Desk: Correspondent Reporting Live From Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
At least 23 people have died in a suspected diphtheria outbreak in Plateau State, with health authorities reporting 143 suspected cases as efforts continue to contain the spread of the infectious disease.
The Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Baamlong, disclosed the latest figures during an interview on the outbreak, stating that nine patients were receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital and the Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos.
The reported cases are concentrated largely in Jos North Local Government Area, with the Rikkos community identified among the areas affected by the outbreak. Health authorities have intensified surveillance and response activities as they work to prevent the disease from spreading to additional communities.
Baamlong said the state is facing challenges in managing the outbreak, including difficulties associated with access to diphtheria antitoxin. He also indicated that some patients have been presenting for treatment at an advanced stage of the illness, a situation that can increase the risk of severe complications and death.
The commissioner further explained that suspected cases are being managed in isolation as health officials work to reduce the possibility of further transmission. Diphtheria can spread through close contact and respiratory droplets, including those produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Authorities have also been strengthening community-level awareness, using traditional rulers and other stakeholders to communicate preventive information to residents. The objective is to encourage early reporting of suspected infections and limit contact that could facilitate transmission.
Another challenge highlighted by health officials concerns laboratory confirmation of suspected cases. According to Baamlong, specialised containers required for the collection and transportation of samples are not readily available, making confirmation of some suspected infections more difficult.
The latest figures represent a significant increase from an earlier report of 15 deaths and 117 suspected cases, underscoring the speed with which the outbreak has developed. Health officials have consequently continued to urge communities to remain alert and cooperate with disease-control measures.
The outbreak has renewed attention on the importance of vaccination, early detection and timely medical intervention in preventing severe diphtheria infections. Residents who develop symptoms associated with the disease are expected to seek medical attention promptly rather than delay treatment.
With 143 suspected cases now recorded and 23 deaths reported, Plateau health authorities face the task of containing transmission while ensuring that affected patients receive appropriate care. Further updates are expected as surveillance, laboratory investigations and response activities continue across the affected communities.
Be the first to comment