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A diphtheria outbreak in communities across Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State has killed 15 people, with 117 others suspected of infection.
The outbreak has raised concern among health authorities, who warned that more cases could be recorded.
Baks Bulus, the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer, disclosed the figures on Tuesday at the Jos North Local Government Secretariat.
“So far, according to the data we have, 117 people gathered from the communities suspected to have had the disease. Out of this number, we have 15 persons already dead,” Bulus said.
The development comes two days after a family in Jos reported losing two children, aged between 12 and 17, to the infection.
Bulus explained that diphtheria is a bacterial disease that can spread from person to person, particularly through close contact and shared household items.
He warned that the disease can be deadly for children who are unvaccinated or have not completed their vaccination doses.
“For children who are vaccinated, it has milder effects on them. It may not lead to death, but for a child who is not vaccinated completely or having not completed their dose, it is deadly,” he said.
Bulus stressed that diphtheria is vaccine-preventable and urged residents in affected communities to maintain good hygiene and avoid overcrowded places.
He also advised residents with symptoms or suspected exposure to seek immediate medical attention instead of relying on self-medication.
“The best approach is to visit primary healthcare centres because we have the structure in place,” he said, stressing that early detection can save lives.
