Diphtheria Outbreak Kills 15, Infects 117 In Plateau

A diphtheria outbreak in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State has killed 15 people and left 117 suspected cases, health officials said on Tuesday.

Baks Bulus, the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer for Jos North, said the deaths were recorded within three days of the outbreak. He warned that more cases could be reported if the disease is not contained quickly.

The cases were reported in several communities in the council area. The latest figures came two days after a family in Jos said it lost two children, aged between 12 and 17, to the infection.

Health officials urged residents to report symptoms early and cooperate with response teams. Diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable disease that can spread through respiratory droplets and can become severe without prompt treatment.

Authorities said surveillance and public health response efforts were underway in the affected communities.

Sources: Daily Trust, Premium Times