The number of suspected diphtheria cases in Nigeria’s Plateau State has risen to 303, while the reported death toll has reached 27, according to state health authorities.
Plateau State Epidemiologist Dr Maren Damulak disclosed the latest figures during a briefing in Jos.
Jos North Local Government Area has recorded the largest number of suspected cases, with Rikkos among the communities identified as heavily affected.
Children make up a significant proportion of those affected.
The state government has intensified disease surveillance, contact tracing, community awareness campaigns and vaccination activities in affected communities.
Diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable bacterial infection that can become life-threatening when it causes severe breathing problems and other complications.
The outbreak comes amid wider concerns about vaccination coverage and the capacity of health authorities to respond rapidly to outbreaks of preventable diseases.
SOURCES:
The PUNCH — Plateau diphtheria outbreak update
The Guardian Nigeria — Plateau diphtheria coverage
