Plateau Diphtheria Death Toll Rises To 27, Suspected Cases Hit 303

The death toll from Plateau State’s diphtheria outbreak has risen to 27, while suspected cases have increased to 303.

The new figures were given by the state epidemiologist, Dr Maren Damulak, in Jos. They update the earlier toll of 23 deaths and 143 suspected cases, which NaijaTrend reported here.

The state government had already ordered a temporary closure of public and private primary and secondary schools after suspected infections were reported in several local government areas.

Health officials have continued contact tracing and community sensitisation while working to contain the spread. The outbreak has raised concern because diphtheria can spread through respiratory droplets and can become severe when treatment is delayed.

Plateau is one of several northern states facing diphtheria pressure, with health authorities also monitoring cases in states such as Kano and Katsina.

Sources: Daily Trust, Punch Healthwise