Nigeria reports 469 suspected diphtheria cases and 31 deaths — Premium Times Nigeria

In Nigeria’s Plateau State, 469 suspected cases of diphtheria and 31 deaths have been recorded since the beginning of 2026. This was reported by the state commissioner for health, Nicholas Baamlong, Premium Times Nigeria reports.

Vaccination and treatment

According to Baamlong, authorities have vaccinated 160,000 children as part of enhanced measures to contain the outbreak. The number of suspected cases increased in August, prompting the state government to step up vaccination, epidemiological surveillance and public awareness efforts in affected communities.

Currently, 17 patients are receiving treatment at Jos University Teaching Hospital and Plateau State Specialist Hospital. Isolation centers for patients suspected of having diphtheria have been established at these medical facilities. Authorities have also supplied the hospitals with medicines for treatment and clinical management of such cases.

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Areas with suspected cases

Suspected cases were recorded in 10 of the state’s 17 local government areas: Jos North, Jos South, Wase, Barkin Ladi, Mangu, Kanam, Pankshin, Shendam, Bassa and Mikang. The highest number of such cases was registered in Jos North.

The commissioner said the number of cases is declining due to vaccination, surveillance and information campaigns. The state has also requested additional diphtheria vaccines from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency. Baamlong urged parents to ensure their children receive all recommended vaccinations, noting that some sick children had not been vaccinated or had not completed their immunization schedule.