Tetanus and diphtheria blood test, conceptual image. (Photo by WLADIMIR BULGAR/SCIENCE PHOTO LI / WBU / Science Photo Library via AFP)
Twenty-three people have died from suspected diphtheria in Plateau State over the past two weeks, while 143 suspected cases have been recorded as health authorities intensify efforts to contain the outbreak.
The Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Nicholas Baamlong, disclosed this in a telephone interview with Channels Television, noting that nine patients are currently receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos.
“So far we have 143 suspected cases, we have had 23 deaths and 9 currently on admission at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, JUTH and the Plateau Specialist Hospital, Jos,” Baamlong said.
According to the commissioner, affected patients are being treated in isolation, while the state government has intensified community sensitisation campaigns through traditional rulers and other stakeholders to prevent further transmission.
Baamlong identified the shortage of antitoxin and late presentation of patients as major challenges in managing the outbreak.
“The biggest challenge is getting antitoxin, and most of them are presenting late,” he said, explaining that diphtheria can spread through “contact, cough, sneezing and close association.”
He also disclosed that the state was experiencing difficulties confirming suspected cases due to a shortage of specialised containers required for collecting and transporting samples to laboratories.
“We are having challenges with the diagnosis because the sample is supposed to be collected in a special container so that we can send it for confirmation, but we do not have such containers,” he said.
Baamlong said the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) was aware of the situation and that the state was expecting assistance with the supply of antitoxin and specialised sample containers.
“The NCDC is aware, and we are hoping that they will assist us with the antitoxin and the special containers,” he said.
The commissioner added that the state government had stepped up awareness campaigns at the community level, working with traditional rulers and other stakeholders to educate residents about diphtheria, its symptoms and preventive measures.
“We have so far activated awareness campaigns in communities through traditional rulers and other stakeholders to curtail the spread,” Baamlong said.
Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can spread through respiratory droplets and close contact with an infected person.
Health authorities continue to urge residents to seek prompt medical attention when symptoms occur and adhere to recommended preventive measures to reduce the risk of further infections and deaths.
