Diphtheria Outbreak Kills 23 in Plateau as Suspected Cases Rise

(Health Worker And The Community Members. Photo by Doctors Without Borders)

A diphtheria outbreak in Plateau State has claimed 23 lives over the past two weeks, with 143 suspected cases recorded so far.

The state's health commissioner said the government is working hard to stop the disease from spreading further.

Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial illness that spreads when infected people cough, sneeze, or come into close contact with others.

The state has quarantined patients and is treating them in isolation at two hospitals in Jos.

Authorities have also launched awareness campaigns in communities, working with traditional rulers and local leaders to educate people about the disease and how to prevent it.

The commissioner said the outbreak is presenting serious challenges. Many patients come to hospitals too late for effective treatment.

The state is also struggling to get antitoxin, the medicine used to treat diphtheria.

Another problem is testing authorities lack the special containers needed to collect and transport samples to laboratories for confirmation, which is slowing down diagnosis.

Nine patients are currently admitted to Jos University Teaching Hospital and the Plateau Specialist Hospital.

The government is pushing communities to be more aware of the symptoms and to encourage people to seek treatment early.

Officials are counting on help from community leaders to spread the message about protecting themselves from the disease.