Plateau State has recorded 469 suspected cases of diphtheria and 31 deaths, the Commissioner for Health, Nicholas Ba’amlong, has announced.
The surge in cases has prompted the state government to launch an intensified vaccination programme, targeting vulnerable populations to prevent further fatalities. The response follows the identification of a significant number of suspected infections spreading across the state.
So far, 160,000 children have received vaccinations as part of the emergency efforts to contain the spread of the bacterial infection. The state’s health ministry is prioritising these immunisations to build immunity and break the chain of transmission.
State intensifies vaccination efforts to curb outbreak
The Commissioner confirmed the figures during a report on the current health status of the state, highlighting the severity of the outbreak. The diphtheria outbreak in Plateau has already claimed 31 lives, prompting health officials to heighten surveillance and clinical response measures in affected areas.
Diphtheria is a serious, highly contagious bacterial infection that typically affects the mucous membranes of the throat and nose. If the infection progresses, it can cause a thick greyish membrane to form in the throat, which may lead to severe breathing difficulties, heart failure, or paralysis. Without prompt medical intervention, the disease is often fatal.
The decision to deploy mass immunisation follows a trend of vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks in various parts of Nigeria. Health experts have frequently noted that gaps in routine immunisation coverage contribute to the resurgence of such diseases. By vaccinating 160,000 children, the Plateau State government aims to mitigate the risk of a widespread epidemic that could overwhelm local healthcare facilities.
Health officials have urged parents and guardians to monitor their children for symptoms, including fever, sore throat, and swollen glands. Early detection remains a critical factor in reducing the mortality rate associated with the disease.
The vaccination drive is expected to continue across multiple local government areas in Plateau State. Health teams are currently working to extend coverage to more remote communities to ensure the containment of the outbreak is effective and sustained.
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