Twenty-seven people have died from a suspected diphtheria outbreak in Plateau State. Suspected cases have now reached 303, according to a health official in the state.
The State Epidemiologist, Maren Damulak, shared these numbers with journalists in Jos on Wednesday.
He noted that most suspected cases were found in Jos North Local Government Area.
Mr Damulak said 99 percent of these suspected cases are in Jos North, with Rikkos community being one of the hardest-hit areas.
"As of today, the cases have increased from 149 to 303. The death toll has also risen from 23 to 27. The majority of the cases are in Jos North. Ninety-nine percent of the cases are in Jos North," he stated.
He pointed out that many of the cases are linked to people who have not received the diphtheria vaccine, especially children.
"Most of the people affected did not take the diphtheria vaccine. Besides Jos North, we have a few cases from other LGAs. Children make up a large number of those affected," he added.
Schools Remain Closed
These latest figures come just days after the Plateau State Government ordered all public and private primary and secondary schools to close temporarily.
PREMIUM TIMES reported that the government announced the closure starting Monday, September 7, due to suspected diphtheria cases in Jos North, Jos South, Bassa, and Wase local government areas.
The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, stated that this measure aims to stop further spread and protect students and staff.
Schools that had already reopened were also instructed to close until further notice. The government urged school owners, teachers, parents, and guardians to follow the order and keep students at home while health officials improve surveillance and response efforts.
Response Intensified
The state government is stepping up efforts to provide treatment and improve disease monitoring in affected communities.
Some patients are now receiving care at the Jos University Teaching Hospital and Plateau State Specialist Hospital, where isolation facilities have been set up.
In Jos North, the local government has sent more resources, such as motorcycles, to help with contact tracing, field surveillance, and community mobilization.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang has also ordered the quick supply of medicines and medical supplies to health centers to aid the response.
The Director-General of the Plateau State Drug and Medical Commodity Management Agency, Kim Bot, mentioned that government assistance is already in place at JUTH and PSSH, and more will be sent to other affected facilities.
Mr Bot said the government took action after hearing about the outbreak and is ensuring that health facilities receive the required medical supplies.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Jos North Local Government, John Christopher, has called on residents to keep personal and environmental hygiene to prevent the disease's spread.
Mr Christopher made this appeal on Wednesday during a visit to affected communities and to see suspected patients being treated at the Primary Healthcare Clinic in Abba Na Shehu Ward.
As the numbers continue to rise, health officials are working hard to control the outbreak, boost surveillance, and encourage people to seek medical help and vaccinations.
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