Plateau Diphtheria Death Toll Rises To 23, Suspected Cases Hit 143

The death toll from the diphtheria outbreak in Plateau State has risen to 23, with 143 suspected cases now recorded across the state.

The latest figures mark a sharp rise from the 15 deaths and 117 suspected cases earlier reported by NaijaTrend here. Health officials said the new numbers cover the last two weeks as the state continues efforts to contain the infection.

Plateau Commissioner for Health, Nicholas Baamlong, said nine patients were on admission at the Jos University Teaching Hospital and Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos. He said affected patients were being treated in isolation while community awareness campaigns were being carried out through traditional rulers and local structures.

Daily Post and Channels TV both reported Baamlong’s account of the 23 deaths, 143 suspected cases and nine patients still on admission. The commissioner also said the state was struggling with late presentation by patients and difficulty getting diphtheria antitoxin.

He said confirming suspected cases had also been difficult because special containers needed to collect and move samples to laboratories were not available.

Diphtheria spreads through respiratory droplets and close contact. Health officials are urging residents to report symptoms early and cooperate with isolation and treatment measures.

Sources: Daily Post, Channels TV