A diphtheria outbreak in Plateau State, Nigeria, has resulted in 31 deaths and 469 suspected cases across 10 Local Government Areas. The outbreak, which started with sporadic cases earlier in 2026, gained significant attention in August following a surge in reported infections. Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Ba'amlong, disclosed the figures during a press briefing in Jos, outlining the government's response to the worsening public health situation.
According to Dr. Ba'amlong, the affected Local Government Areas include Jos North, Wase, Jos South, Barkin Ladi, Mangu, Pankshin, Kanam, Mikang, Shendam, and Bassa. Jos North has recorded the highest number of suspected cases, with 370 cases. The state government has established isolation centers at the Jos University Teaching Hospital and Plateau Specialist Hospital, where 17 patients are currently receiving treatment.
The government has adopted a multi-pronged strategy to contain the outbreak, including intensified active case searches, contact tracing, and community-based diagnosis and treatment of mild cases. Health authorities have also increased engagement with community leaders to improve public awareness and encourage residents to report suspected infections promptly. Additionally, teachers in public and private schools in Jos North have been trained to identify possible symptoms of diphtheria and respond appropriately.
Vaccination efforts have been expanded significantly across the affected areas, with over 160,000 children receiving diphtheria and tetanus vaccines, and more than 30,000 children receiving Pentavalent vaccines. Dr. Ba'amlong stated that the number of cases appears to be declining following increased vaccination, surveillance, and community sensitization activities. However, the state government has requested additional vaccines from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency to strengthen the ongoing response.
Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the throat and airways, with severe cases potentially resulting in difficulty breathing, heart complications, and death, particularly among unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children. Plateau health officials have noted that many of those affected during the current outbreak had missed routine childhood vaccinations, highlighting concerns over gaps in immunization coverage.
The outbreak in Plateau State comes amid reports of diphtheria cases in other parts of Northern Nigeria, raising concerns about the continuing vulnerability of communities with low vaccination coverage. Health authorities are urging parents and caregivers to ensure that children receive their routine vaccines and seek medical attention promptly when symptoms associated with diphtheria occur.
With 31 deaths already recorded and hundreds of suspected infections under surveillance, health officials are continuing vaccination, contact tracing, treatment, and community awareness campaigns in an effort to prevent further spread of the disease. The government is working to strengthen its response and prevent additional outbreaks, emphasizing the importance of vaccination and public awareness in controlling the spread of diphtheria.
Key points
- The diphtheria outbreak in Plateau State has claimed 31 lives and recorded 469 suspected cases across 10 Local Government Areas.
- The state government has adopted a multi-pronged strategy to contain the outbreak, including intensified active case searches, contact tracing, and community-based diagnosis and treatment of mild cases.
- Health authorities are urging parents and caregivers to ensure that children receive their routine vaccines and seek medical attention promptly when symptoms associated with diphtheria occur.
