The Plateau State Government on Wednesday said the death toll from diphtheria has risen to 27, while suspected cases have reached 303.
The state’s epidemiologist, Dr Maren Damulak, disclosed the figures while speaking with newsmen in Jos, the state capital.
The disease has also claimed several lives in communities in Katsina and Kano states, as health authorities intensify efforts to contain the spread of the infection.
The Plateau State Government had last Sunday ordered the temporary closure of all primary and secondary schools following the detection of suspected cases in Jos North, Jos South, Bassa and Wase Local Government Areas.
The measure, according to the government, was aimed at reducing transmission among students and school staff while health authorities strengthen surveillance and response activities.
Dr Damulak said most of the suspected cases were recorded in Jos North LGA with Rikkos community identified as one of the worst-affected areas.
“As of today, the cases have increased from 149 to 303. The death toll has also increased from 23 to 27. The highest cases of the disease are in Jos North. 99% of the cases are in Jos North.
“Most of the people that were affected were those that did not take diphtheria vaccine. Apart from Jos North, we also have few cases from other LGAs. Children account for a significant proportion of those affected,” Damulak said.
He, however, assured that the state government is making efforts to contain the outbreak of the disease.
Our correspondent reports that some suspected patients are currently receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, JUTH, and Plateau State Specialist Hospital, PSSH, where isolation facilities have been provided.
In Jos North, the local government council has deployed additional logistics, including motorcycles, to enhance contact tracing, field surveillance and community outreach.
Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang had on Monday directed the immediate mobilisation of drugs and other medical commodities to health facilities to combat the disease.
The Director-General of the Plateau State Drug and Medical Commodity Management Agency, PSDMA, Pharmacist Kim Jerry Bot, disclosed that government intervention was already ongoing at JUTH and PSSH.
Bot said the state government acted swiftly following reports of the outbreak, adding that efforts were underway to extend the support to other affected health facilities.
Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman of Jos North Local Government Council, Barrister John Kyohroh Christopher, on Wednesday urged residents to prioritise personal and environmental hygiene to help curb the spread of the disease.
Christopher spoke during an on-the-spot assessment of affected communities and a visit to some patients receiving treatment at the Primary Healthcare Clinic in Abba Na Shehu Ward.
He said the visit was aimed at assessing the situation firsthand, encouraging affected persons and ensuring that government interventions reached those in need.
The council chairman assured residents that the council, in collaboration with the Plateau State Government and health partners, was taking proactive steps to address the situation.
