Plateau State has recorded 469 suspected cases of diphtheria, with 31 deaths reported as of late September.
The Commissioner for Health, Nicholas Ba’amlong, confirmed the figures as the state government expands medical interventions to prevent further fatalities.
The surge in cases has prompted an emergency response aimed at protecting vulnerable populations, particularly children, who are most at risk from the bacterial infection.
To combat the spread, the state has already administered vaccines to 160,000 children as part of an intensified containment strategy.
Diphtheria is a highly infectious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It is spread through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, or through contact with contaminated surfaces and objects.
Clinical symptoms often include a thick, grey membrane covering the throat, which can obstruct airways and lead to breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. If the infection is not treated promptly, it can lead to severe complications, including heart failure, paralysis, or death.
State intensifies vaccination and surveillance
Beyond the vaccination drive, health authorities are conducting active surveillance to detect new cases in real-time. This involves contact tracing and community engagement to ensure that residents are aware of the symptoms and the risks involved.
The diphtheria outbreak in Plateau State reflects ongoing challenges in the Nigerian public health sector, particularly regarding the consistency of routine immunisation programmes. Gaps in vaccine coverage often leave communities vulnerable to preventable outbreaks of respiratory and enteric diseases.
Health officials are currently working to bolster the supply of medical resources to rural health centres to ensure that those in remote areas have access to necessary treatments.
The state government has urged parents to monitor their children closely and to report any signs of illness, such as a persistent sore throat or difficulty swallowing, to the nearest government health facility immediately.
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