Nigeria’s Plateau State orders temporary school closures over suspected diphtheria cases
Authorities in Nigeria’s Plateau State have ordered the temporary closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools over suspected cases of diphtheria. The restriction will take effect on Monday, September 7, and will remain in force until a separate notice announces the resumption of classes.
Cases in four districts
The decision was announced by the state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap. According to the authorities, suspected cases of the infection were recorded in the Jos North, Wase, Jos South, and Bassa local government areas.
Schools that have already resumed classes must cease operations from September 7. Authorities instructed school owners and administrators, teachers, parents, and guardians to comply with the order and ensure that students remain at home. As Premium Times Nigeria reports, the measure is intended to protect students, teaching and non-teaching staff while health authorities assess and respond to the situation.
Data on patients and deaths
On September 3, the state Commissioner for Health, Nicholas Baamlong, reported 143 suspected cases of diphtheria and 23 deaths. He said that nine patients were receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital and the Plateau State Specialist Hospital in Jos.
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Baamlong also stated that patients diagnosed with the disease were being isolated at these two hospitals to prevent further spread. He cited patients seeking medical care late and difficulties obtaining diphtheria antitoxin among the challenges to the response.
Meanwhile, Jos North resident Usman Sheydu told The Guardian newspaper about another four deaths. According to his claim, the total number of deaths reached 27.
Call for vaccination
Diphtheria is a potentially fatal bacterial infection that can be transmitted through airborne droplets and close contact. Vaccination is the main method of prevention. Plateau State authorities called on stakeholders to cooperate during the temporary school closures and other response measures.
