At least 15 people have died from suspected diphtheria infections in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, with 117 suspected cases recorded across several communities.
The Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer for Jos North, Baks Bulus, disclosed this on Tuesday at the local government council secretariat. Bulus said the 15 deaths were recorded within three days of the outbreak, based on available records.
The development comes two days after a family in Jos reportedly lost two children, aged between 12 and 17, to suspected diphtheria infection.
The disease surveillance officer described diphtheria as a bacterial infection that can spread through close contact with an infected person and the sharing of personal items, including utensils and towels.
He said diphtheria is vaccine preventable, adding that children who receive all three recommended doses of the vaccine are fully protected.
Bulus urged residents, particularly those in affected communities, to maintain good personal hygiene and take preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection.
Source: Daily Trust