Nigeria's Plateau state intensifies diphtheria response as Jos North reports 117 cases, 15 deaths

Nigeria's Plateau State has intensified its response to a diphtheria outbreak after Jos North reported 117 suspected cases and 15 deaths as of September 1, 2026. In response, the state government ordered all schools to close temporarily starting September 7, 2026. Local authorities, led by Chairman John Christopher, distributed motorcycles to health workers to accelerate contact tracing and surveillance in hard-to-reach areas, while launching radio campaigns to promote vaccination and early treatment.

Jos North diphtheria outbreak

• ▪As of September 1, 2026, health authorities in Jos North, Nigeria, recorded 117 suspected diphtheria cases and 15 deaths.
• ▪Plateau State, Nigeria, reported suspected diphtheria cases in the Jos South, Bassa, and Wase local government areas.

Motorcycle logistics for surveillance

• ▪The director of health of the Jos North Local Government council, Martha Kummiap, stated that the provided motorcycles would enable daily visits and faster contact tracing of suspected diphtheria cases.
• ▪Jos North Local Government Chairman John Christopher handed over motorcycles to the local health directorate on September 5, 2026, to strengthen diphtheria field surveillance and contact tracing.

School closure directive

• ▪The Plateau State government ordered the temporary closure of public and private primary and secondary schools starting September 7, 2026, to contain the spread of diphtheria.
• ▪The Jos North Local Government council collaborated with the Plateau State Ministry of Health to strengthen diphtheria surveillance, case management, and community mobilization.

Community sensitisation campaigns

• ▪The Jos North Local Government council commenced radio sensitization and community outreach to educate residents about diphtheria and measures to reduce transmission.
• ▪Jos North Local Government Chairman John Christopher urged residents to keep drainages clean, report symptoms early, and cooperate with health teams during diphtheria contact-tracing activities.

Vaccination prevention measures

• ▪Nigerian health authorities urged parents and caregivers to ensure children receive routine vaccinations and advised residents to seek prompt medical attention for symptoms like sore throat, fever, or difficulty breathing.
• ▪Diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable bacterial disease that spreads through respiratory droplets and close contact, potentially causing serious complications and death when treatment is delayed.

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