Plateau State has recorded a rise in suspected diphtheria cases, with the figure now standing at 303 and fatalities increasing to 27.
The State Epidemiologist, Dr Maren Damulak, disclosed the development on Wednesday during a press briefing in Jos, noting that the death toll had climbed from the previously reported 23.
According to Damulak, Jos North Local Government Area accounts for most of the suspected infections, with Rikkos community among the areas worst affected. Children also make up a considerable number of those suspected to have contracted the disease.
The state government has stepped up measures to contain the outbreak through enhanced disease surveillance, contact tracing, vaccination and public awareness campaigns in affected communities.
As part of efforts to limit transmission, the government ordered the temporary shutdown of all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state from September 7. The decision followed the identification of suspected cases in Jos North, Jos South, Bassa and Wase LGAs.
The government said the closure was necessary to minimise the risk of transmission among students, pupils and school personnel while health authorities strengthen their response.
Some of the suspected patients are being treated at the Jos University Teaching Hospital and Plateau State Specialist Hospital, both of which have isolation facilities for managing the cases.
Meanwhile, the Jos North Local Government Council has deployed additional resources, including motorcycles, to strengthen contact tracing, field surveillance and community sensitisation.
The council chairman, John Christopher, made this known during an assessment of affected communities and a visit to patients at the Primary Healthcare Clinic in Abba Na Shehu Ward.
Christopher urged residents to maintain proper personal and environmental hygiene, stressing the contagious nature of the disease.
“Diphtheria is airborne and highly contagious. Basic hygiene can drastically reduce the spread.
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Health officials are also on the ground collecting samples and sending them to the laboratory for further investigation. Early detection is key, and that is why our teams are moving from house to house,” the chairman added.
He said preventive medications had been received and were being administered to infants and individuals who had been exposed to the infection.
Christopher also disclosed that awareness campaigns had been expanded across all 20 wards in the local government area.
He called on residents to keep their surroundings clean by clearing blocked drainages, disposing of refuse promptly and avoiding indiscriminate dumping of waste.
The council chairman praised Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his swift response to the outbreak, assuring that the council would continue working with the state government and health partners to contain the disease.
He further advised residents experiencing symptoms including sore throat, fever, breathing difficulties or neck swelling to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest primary healthcare centre.
In a related development, Governor Mutfwang has ordered the immediate distribution of drugs and other medical supplies to facilities treating suspected diphtheria patients.
The Director-General of the Plateau State Drug and Medical Commodity Management Agency, Kim Jerry Bot, confirmed that the directive had been implemented.
“Governor Caleb Mutfwang has directed, and we have acted accordingly. Our workaholic honourable commissioner, Dr Nicholas Baamlong, has provided the requisite leadership.
“Medications and commodities have been duly mobilised to JUTH and PSSH, while we are already working on the other centres,” he added.
Bot commended the governor for his quick response and concern over the health emergency.
Health authorities are continuing surveillance and other containment activities as the state responds to the increasing number of suspected diphtheria cases.