The diphtheria outbreak in Plateau State has claimed 31 lives, with 469 suspected cases reported across 10 Local Government Areas.
The state government has activated its Incident Management System to strengthen coordination of the response as health authorities intensify efforts to contain the outbreak.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Ba’amlong, disclosed this on Friday during a briefing in Jos, where he announced the appointment of Dr Maren Job Damala as Incident Manager.
Ba’amlong said the state had recorded sporadic suspected cases earlier in the year, but the outbreak became a major public health concern in August.
Of the 469 suspected cases recorded so far, only three have been laboratory-confirmed, while 31 deaths have been reported.
Jos North Records Majority of Cases
Jos North accounts for the overwhelming majority of suspected infections, with 370 cases recorded.
Wase follows with 29 cases, while Jos South has reported 22. Barkin Ladi and Mangu have 16 cases each, Pankshin five, Kanam and Mikang four each, Shendam two and Bassa one.
The government said its response has included intensified active case searches, contact tracing, community diagnosis and treatment of mild cases, as well as engagement with traditional and community leaders.
Treatment supplies have also been provided to Plateau State Specialist Hospital and Jos University Teaching Hospital to support the isolation and management of severe cases.
Teachers from public and private schools in Jos North have received training to help identify early symptoms and respond appropriately to suspected infections.
More Than 160,000 Children Vaccinated
The state government said more than 160,000 children have been reached with diphtheria and tetanus vaccines, while more than 30,000 have received Pentavalent vaccines.
However, Plateau currently faces a shortage of about 250,000 vaccine doses needed to reach children in the remaining parts of Jos North and other affected Local Government Areas.
Health authorities are also using media campaigns, public enlightenment jingles and information materials to raise awareness, encourage early treatment and increase community participation in the response.
Incident Management System Activated
The formal activation of the Incident Management System is expected to strengthen coordination between government agencies and response partners.
Damala, the newly appointed Incident Manager, will oversee activities across sectors, coordinate with government agencies and stakeholders, monitor containment measures and facilitate the mobilization and deployment of resources.
The response team will also conduct regular assessments, evaluate progress and ensure that information about the outbreak reaches the public promptly.
The next phase will focus on continued case detection and contact tracing, possible expansion of vaccination activities, community sensitization and regular coordination meetings to address emerging challenges.
Children Most Affected
Ba’amlong described diphtheria as a highly infectious bacterial disease that can affect people of all ages, although available data from the outbreak show that children between two and 14 years are the most affected and are more likely to develop severe disease.
Symptoms can include cough, sneezing, fever, sore throat, white or grey patches at the back of the throat, difficulty breathing, swelling of the neck and, in some cases, a skin rash.
The commissioner urged parents and caregivers to ensure that children receive all recommended vaccinations, stressing that diphtheria is preventable through vaccination.
He also advised residents to maintain good hygiene, wash their hands regularly, avoid close contact with people showing symptoms and consider wearing face masks in crowded settings or when interacting with symptomatic individuals.
Residents were urged to seek medical attention immediately if diphtheria is suspected and report suspected infections to Local Government Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers.
Ba’amlong stressed that early reporting is essential to limiting further transmission.
Government, Partners Step Up Response
The commissioner commended the state and Local Government Rapid Response Teams for their efforts and acknowledged the support of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, WHO, UNICEF, Red Cross, FHI360 through the EPiC Project, Save the Children, Life Helpers, Chigari Foundation and other partners.
He also thanked Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for his support and leadership.
Ba’amlong called on development partners, community leaders, parents, health workers and residents to maintain cooperation with the government as authorities work to contain the outbreak and prevent further loss of life.
