Plateau State is intensifying measures to contain a diphtheria outbreak after the reported death toll rose to 27, with health authorities battling late presentation of patients, difficulty accessing antitoxin and challenges confirming suspected cases.
The Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Nicholas Baamlong, had disclosed that 23 people had died from the disease, with 143 suspected cases recorded. However, four additional deaths were subsequently reported in Jos North by a resident, Mallam Usman Sheidu, bringing the reported cumulative figure to 27. The Guardian reported the development on September 2.
Baamlong said the state government had strengthened its response, including the isolation and treatment of identified patients at the Jos University Teaching Hospital and Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos.
According to the commissioner, nine patients were receiving treatment at the two facilities, while suspected cases were being managed in isolation as health officials work to limit further transmission.
Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial disease that can spread from person to person through respiratory droplets and close contact. The disease can spread rapidly, particularly where infected persons present late for treatment.
Baamlong identified delayed presentation and difficulty obtaining diphtheria antitoxin as some of the major challenges confronting the state’s response. He also disclosed that health officials were experiencing difficulties confirming suspected cases because specialised containers required for collecting and transporting laboratory samples were unavailable.
The commissioner said the diagnostic challenge was affecting efforts to obtain laboratory confirmation of suspected infections, as samples have to be collected and transported using appropriate materials.
Despite the challenges, the state government has expanded community sensitisation campaigns, working through traditional rulers and other stakeholders to increase awareness about the disease and encourage residents to seek medical attention promptly.
The outbreak has therefore placed renewed attention on early detection, access to treatment and public awareness as authorities continue efforts to prevent further spread.
While the commissioner officially cited 23 deaths in his reported figures, the additional four deaths reported in Jos North bring the reported toll to 27. This distinction is important because the additional four were attributed to a community source rather than a separate official health-authority announcement.
