At least 15 people have died, while 117 others are suspected to have contracted diphtheria in different communities in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Authorities in the local government described the outbreak as alarming, warning that more cases could be recorded.
The development came two days after a family in Jos reported losing two children, aged between 12 and 17, to the infection.
Baks Bulus, Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO), disclosed the figures at the Local Government Council Secretariat on Tuesday. He said the deaths were recorded within three days of the outbreak.
“I can account for what is happening in Jos North. So far, according the data we have, 117 people gathered from the communities suspected to have had the disease. Out of this number, we have 15 persons already dead base on the record we have as at now, “ Bulus said.
He explained that diphtheria is a bacterial disease that spreads through close contact and shared household items.
“It can transmit from person to person. It keeps spreading when people come around the patient. It can be disastrous.”
Bulus said vaccination offers protection, adding that children who have received all three doses are fully protected.
He urged residents in affected areas to maintain good hygiene, avoid crowded places and seek early medical care instead of self-medication.
“Use hand gloves and other protective items at home. People should maintain personal hygiene and avoid overcrowded areas. We advise that people go to the nearest health facility because early detection is key to saving lives. Most times, people resort to chemists or self-medication, which we do not advise.
“The best approach is to visit primary healthcare centers because we have the structure in place. There are focal persons who can help provide information. We advise timely visits to government health facilities, “ he added.
Personnel from the local government have been deployed to affected communities to raise awareness about the disease.
