Plateau State has recorded 27 deaths from suspected diphtheria cases, as the total number of suspected infections in the state climbs to 303.
The state epidemiologist confirmed the figures, noting a sharp rise in both fatalities and suspected infections. This development indicates a growing public health challenge for the state’s medical authorities.
The increase in diphtheria fatalities and suspected cases in Plateau State has raised concerns among health officials regarding the speed of transmission and the potential for further spread in vulnerable communities.
Diphtheria symptoms and transmission risks
Diphtheria is a highly infectious disease caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The infection primarily attacks the mucous membranes of the throat and nose, where it produces a thick, greyish coating or membrane. This membrane can potentially block the airways, leading to severe respiratory distress or suffocation.
Common symptoms of the infection include a sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, and difficulty swallowing. In more severe instances, the toxin produced by the bacteria can enter the bloodstream, causing systemic damage to the heart, kidneys, or nervous system.
The disease spreads through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also be transmitted through direct contact with infected skin lesions or by touching contaminated objects used by an infected individual.
In Nigeria, outbreaks of such vaccine-preventable diseases are often linked to gaps in routine immunisation coverage. Public health experts have noted that the resurgence of diphtheria in various parts of the country frequently correlates with low uptake of the Pentavalent vaccine among infants and young children.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and state-level health ministries are tasked with managing such outbreaks through heightened surveillance, rapid response, and public awareness campaigns. For Plateau State, the immediate priority involves identifying infection clusters and ensuring that those at risk receive appropriate medical interventions, including antibiotics and antitoxins.
Health officials are now focused on intensifying vaccination drives in high-risk local government areas to prevent further loss of life and to stem the spread of the bacteria across the state.
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