The Plateau State government has confirmed that 469 suspected cases of diphtheria have been reported, resulting in 31 deaths since the state began detecting children with symptoms of the disease in early 2026. According to Commissioner for Health, Nicholas Ba’amlong, the outbreak became a major public health concern in August as suspected cases increased. The government has since intensified vaccination, surveillance, and community sensitisation across affected communities.
As part of the efforts to contain the outbreak, 160,000 children have been vaccinated so far. The government has also established isolation centres at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and Plateau Specialist Hospital, where 17 patients are currently receiving treatment. Health authorities are continuing surveillance and response activities in affected communities, with 10 of the state’s 17 local government areas recording suspected cases.
Jos North has recorded the highest number of suspected cases, according to Mr Ba’amlong. The government has supplied medications to JUTH and Plateau Specialist Hospital to support patient treatment and strengthen the clinical management of suspected cases. The commissioner attributed the decline in the number of cases to intensified vaccination, surveillance, and public awareness campaigns.
The state government has alerted the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and requested additional diphtheria vaccines to sustain the immunisation campaign in affected communities. Mr Ba’amlong urged parents to ensure that their children received all recommended routine vaccinations, noting that some of the children affected by the disease had either not been vaccinated or had not completed their immunisation schedule.
Diphtheria is a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection that can spread through respiratory droplets and close contact, particularly among people who are not adequately vaccinated. The disease has been reported in several local government areas, including Jos North, Jos South, Wase, Barkin Ladi, Mangu, Kanam, Pankshin, Shendam, Bassa, and Mikang.
The Plateau State government is working to strengthen its response to the outbreak, with a focus on vaccination, surveillance, and community engagement. The government is also working to ensure that affected communities have access to quality healthcare services.
The commissioner for health emphasized the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of diphtheria. He encouraged parents to ensure their children are vaccinated and to report any suspected cases to the authorities.
Key points
- 469 suspected diphtheria cases and 31 deaths have been reported in Plateau State since early 2026.
- 160,000 children have been vaccinated so far as part of efforts to contain the outbreak.
- The state government has requested additional diphtheria vaccines from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).
