The Plateau State Government has confirmed a sharp increase in suspected diphtheria cases across the state, with the number rising to 303 and the death toll climbing to 27.
The State Epidemiologist, Dr. Maren Damulak, disclosed the latest figures while briefing journalists in Jos on Wednesday. He said the fatalities had increased from the previously reported 23.
Damulak said Jos North Local Government Area accounts for the overwhelming majority of the suspected cases, with Rikkos community identified as one of the worst-affected areas. He added that children make up a significant proportion of those affected.
According to the epidemiologist, a large proportion of those affected were people who had not received the diphtheria vaccine, while a few cases had also been recorded in other local government areas.
As part of measures to contain the spread, the Plateau State Government ordered the temporary closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools in the state from September 7.
The decision followed the detection of suspected cases in Jos North, Jos South, Bassa, and Wase Local Government Areas. Authorities said the closure was intended to reduce the risk of transmission among pupils, students, and school staff while surveillance and other response measures are intensified.
Some suspected patients are currently receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and the Plateau State Specialist Hospital, where isolation facilities have been provided for suspected cases.
The state government has also intensified surveillance, contact tracing, community sensitization, and vaccination in affected communities as part of efforts to bring the outbreak under control.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang has directed the immediate mobilization of drugs and other medical commodities to health facilities handling diphtheria patients.
The Director-General of the Plateau State Drug and Medical Commodity Management Agency, Pharmacist Kim Jerry Bot, confirmed that medications and medical supplies had been mobilized to JUTH and the Plateau State Specialist Hospital, with efforts underway to extend support to other affected centres.
The Executive Chairman of Jos North Local Government Council, John Kyohroh Christopher, said the council had deployed additional logistics, including motorcycles, to strengthen contact tracing, field surveillance, and community outreach.
During an assessment of affected communities and a visit to suspected patients at a primary healthcare facility in Abba Na Shehu Ward, Christopher urged residents to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene.
He also advised residents to promptly report symptoms including sore throat, fever, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the neck to the nearest healthcare facility.
The council has intensified sensitization campaigns across its 20 wards, while preventive medications are being administered to infants and people who have been exposed to the infection.
The latest figures represent a significant escalation from the 143 suspected cases and 23 deaths reported at the beginning of September, highlighting the rapid progression of the outbreak.
Health authorities are continuing surveillance and vaccination efforts across the affected areas as the state battles to contain further transmission.
