At least 15 people have died and another 117 are suspected to have contracted diphtheria following an outbreak across several communities in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Baks Bulus, the council’s Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO), disclosed the figures on Tuesday, September 1, at the local government secretariat, warning that more cases could be recorded as the outbreak continues to spread. “So far, according to the data we have, 117 people gathered from the communities are suspected to have had the disease. Out of this number, we have 15 persons already dead,” Bulus said.
He explained that diphtheria is a bacterial disease that can spread from person to person, particularly through close contact and the sharing of household items such as utensils and towels. According to Bulus, vaccinated children are more likely to experience milder symptoms, while the disease can be deadly for children who are unvaccinated or have not completed their recommended doses.
He stressed that diphtheria is vaccine-preventable, adding that children who receive all three recommended doses are considered well protected against the disease. Bulus urged residents in affected communities to maintain strict personal hygiene, avoid overcrowded places and use protective items when caring for suspected patients.
He also advised residents experiencing symptoms or who may have been exposed to seek medical attention promptly rather than relying on self-medication or visiting chemist shops. “We advise that people go to the nearest health facility because early detection is key to saving lives,” he said. The warning comes two days after a family in Jos reported losing two children, aged between 12 and 17, to the infection.
Meanwhile, personnel from the local government council have been deployed to affected communities to raise awareness about the disease, its transmission and the importance of seeking early medical treatment.
