Plateau State has reported 469 suspected diphtheria cases and 31 deaths since the outbreak was first detected in early 2026, according to the state's health commissioner. Intensified vaccination campaigns and public awareness efforts have been launched to curb the spread of the disease, which remains a critical public health concern.
Commissioner for Health Nicholas Ba’amlong confirmed the figures during a press briefing in Jos on Thursday, emphasizing that 160,000 children had been vaccinated as part of the response. The outbreak escalated into a major public health crisis in August, prompting the government to expand immunization drives, surveillance, and community education initiatives across affected areas.
Ba’amlong stated that 17 patients were currently receiving treatment at Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and Plateau Specialist Hospital, where isolation centers had been established for suspected diphtheria cases. He noted that 10 of the state’s 17 local government areas had recorded suspected cases, with Jos North reporting the highest number of infections.
The affected local government areas include Jos North, Jos South, Wase, Barkin Ladi, Mangu, Kanam, Pankshin, Shendam, Bassa, and Mikang. Health authorities have maintained surveillance and response activities in these regions, while the state government provided medications to JUTH and Plateau Specialist Hospital to support patient care and clinical management.
Ba’amlong attributed the decline in new cases to the vaccination campaigns, surveillance, and public awareness efforts. He also revealed that the state had alerted the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and requested additional diphtheria vaccines to sustain immunization efforts in affected communities.
The commissioner urged parents to ensure their children received all recommended routine vaccinations, highlighting that some affected individuals had either not been vaccinated or had incomplete immunization schedules. Diphtheria, a bacterial infection spread through respiratory droplets and close contact, can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly.
The outbreak underscores the challenges of maintaining public health infrastructure in Nigeria, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Health officials continue to monitor the situation while advocating for sustained investment in vaccination programs to prevent future outbreaks.