Diphtheria outbreak kills 15, infects 117 in Plateau

An outbreak of diphtheria in parts of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State has killed 15 people among 117 suspected cases reported, health authorities have said.

The Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO) for Jos North, Baks Bulus, disclosed this on Tuesday during an interaction with journalists in Jos.

Mr Bulus said the deaths were recorded within three days of the outbreak, warning that the number of cases could increase if urgent measures were not taken to contain the disease.

“So far, according to the data we have gathered from the communities, 117 people are suspected to have contracted the disease. Out of this number, we have already recorded 15 deaths,” he said.

Among those who died were two siblings aged between 12 and 17 years, according to the official.

Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that can spread from person to person, particularly through close contact with an infected person, Mr Bulus explained.

He said sharing personal items such as utensils and towels could increase the risk of transmission.

According to him, vaccination remains one of the most effective ways of preventing severe complications and deaths from the disease.

“For children who have been vaccinated, the effects may be milder and may not lead to death. But for a child who has not been fully vaccinated or has not completed the required doses, it can be deadly,” he said.

Mr Bulus urged residents of the affected communities to maintain good hygiene, avoid overcrowded places, and seek medical attention promptly if they develop symptoms suspected of being associated with diphtheria.

He also cautioned residents against self-medication or relying solely on patent medicine vendors.

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“Most times, people resort to chemists and self-medication, which we do not advise. The best approach is to visit primary healthcare centres where we have the necessary structures and personnel in place,” he said.

The DSNO said health workers had been deployed to affected communities to intensify disease surveillance, sensitise residents and support efforts to prevent further transmission.

He urged parents and guardians to ensure that children receive the recommended doses of diphtheria-containing vaccines.

Meanwhile, efforts to obtain further details from the Plateau State Ministry of Health were unsuccessful.

The State Epidemiologist, Maren Job, did not respond to calls placed to her phone.