Plateau State is facing a diphtheria outbreak that has reportedly claimed 23 lives in two weeks.
Health officials have recorded 143 suspected cases, with nine patients currently receiving treatment in hospitals.
The Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Nicholas Baamlong, disclosed the figures in Jos on Tuesday, September 1.
Baamlong said the government had stepped up efforts to control the spread of the disease.
Patients identified with suspected infections are being quarantined and treated separately at JUTH and Plateau Specialist Hospital.
“So far, we have 143 suspected cases; we have had 23 de@th and nine currently on admission at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, JUTH, and the Plateau Specialist Hospital, Jos,” he said.
The commissioner explained that diphtheria can spread through droplets released during coughing and sneezing.
Close contact and prolonged association with infected people can also increase the risk of transmission.
However, late treatment and limited access to diphtheria antitoxin remain major challenges for health workers.
Baamlong also said the state faces problems confirming suspected infections due to a shortage of special sample containers.
“We are having challenges with the diagnosis because the sample is supposed to be collected in a special container so that we can send it for confirmation, but we do not have such containers,” he said.
Meanwhile, authorities have started community awareness campaigns across affected areas.
Traditional rulers and other community leaders are helping residents understand the disease and ways to prevent its spread.
Baamlong further stated, ” We have so far activated awareness campaigns in communities through traditional rulers and other stakeholders to curtail the spread.”
The diphtheria outbreak has prompted renewed efforts to strengthen public awareness and disease control.
