Diphtheria outbreak kills 23 people in Jos North, Nigeria as 117 cases confirmed

A suspected diphtheria outbreak in Jos North, Nigeria, has claimed at least 23 lives within three days and left 117 people infected. Health officials, including Jos North Disease Surveillance Officer Baks Bulus, warned of rapid spread and urged parents to vaccinate children, who face severe risks if unvaccinated. In response, health personnel have deployed to affected areas, while the Jos University Teaching Hospital has activated its diagnostic capacity to help contain the disease.

Jos North diphtheria outbreak

• ▪A family in Jos, Nigeria, lost two children, aged 12 and 17, to the suspected diphtheria infection shortly before September 2, 2026.
• ▪The 23 deaths associated with the suspected diphtheria outbreak in Jos North, Nigeria, were recorded within a three-day period prior to September 2, 2026.
• ▪A suspected diphtheria outbreak in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria, has killed at least 23 people and infected no fewer than 117 others.

Bacterial transmission through contact

• ▪Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae that primarily affects the nose, throat, and sometimes the skin.
• ▪The Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria spreads easily through close contact, particularly when individuals share personal items such as utensils and towels.

Childhood vaccination importance

• ▪Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children face a significantly higher risk of severe illness or death from diphtheria compared to fully vaccinated children, who experience milder symptoms.
• ▪The Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer for Jos North, Baks Bulus, urged parents to ensure their children complete all recommended doses of the diphtheria vaccine.

Public health response measures

• ▪Health personnel have been deployed to affected communities in Jos North, Nigeria, to strengthen surveillance and sensitisation efforts following the diphtheria outbreak.
• ▪Plateau State health authorities advised residents in Jos North, Nigeria, to maintain strict personal hygiene, avoid overcrowded environments, and seek prompt medical attention at government health facilities.

University diagnostic capacity

• ▪The Director of the African Centre of Excellence in Phytomedicine Research and Development at the University of Jos stated that the centre has produced a vaccination for the infection.
• ▪The Department of Microbiology at Jos University Teaching Hospital in Nigeria possesses the capacity to diagnose diphtheria infections to help curtail the spread.

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