Baamlong disclosed the figures while speaking with journalists in Jos on Tuesday, 1 September, saying the state government had intensified efforts to contain the spread of the highly infectious disease.
He said identified patients were being immediately quarantined and treated in isolation at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos.
According to the commissioner, the government had also stepped up awareness campaigns across communities, working with traditional rulers and other stakeholders to educate residents about the disease and measures to prevent further transmission.
“So far, we have 143 suspected cases; we have had 23 deaths and nine currently on admission at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, JUTH, and the Plateau Specialist Hospital, Jos,” Baamlong said.
He explained that diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can spread from person to person through respiratory droplets, coughing, sneezing and close contact.
Baamlong, however, said the state was facing challenges in confirming suspected cases because of 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.
The commissioner identified late presentation of patients and difficulties in obtaining diphtheria antitoxin as some of the major challenges confronting the state’s response to the outbreak.
He stressed that the disease could spread rapidly through close association and respiratory contact, making early presentation and prompt treatment essential.
Baamlong assured residents that the government was intensifying sensitisation efforts at the community level, with traditional rulers and other stakeholders playing a key role in educating the public about the disease, its symptoms and preventive measures.
“We have so far activated awareness campaigns in communities through traditional rulers and other stakeholders to curtail the spread,” he stated.
Writing
Headline Option 2: Plateau Diphtheria Outbreak: 23 Dead, 143 Suspected Cases as Government Steps Up Response
At least 23 people have died following a diphtheria outbreak in Plateau State, while 143 suspected cases have been recorded in the past two weeks.
The state Commissioner for Health, Nicholas Baamlong, disclosed this on Tuesday, 1 September, during an interview with journalists in Jos.
Baamlong said the Plateau State Government had intensified measures to contain the outbreak, including the immediate quarantine and isolation of identified patients receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and Plateau Specialist Hospital.
“So far, we have 143 suspected cases; we have had 23 deaths and nine currently on admission at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, JUTH, and the Plateau Specialist Hospital, Jos,” he said.
The commissioner described diphtheria as a highly contagious bacterial disease capable of spreading through respiratory droplets and close contact.
He said the government had activated community-level awareness campaigns, using traditional rulers and other stakeholders to educate residents on how to prevent further transmission.
Despite the measures, Baamlong said the response was being hampered by difficulties in confirming suspected cases. He explained that samples must be collected and transported in specialised containers, which are currently unavailable to the state.
“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 also identified late presentation by patients and challenges in securing diphtheria antitoxin as major concerns in the fight against the outbreak.
He warned that diphtheria can spread quickly through coughing, sneezing and close association, underscoring the need for early medical attention and preventive measures.
The commissioner said the state government would continue its sensitisation campaign across communities, with traditional leaders and other stakeholders helping to raise awareness and curb further spread of the disease..
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