At least 31 people have died following a diphtheria outbreak in Nigeria’s Plateau State, where health authorities have recorded 469 suspected cases across 10 local government areas.
State Commissioner for Health Nicholas Ba’amlong said on Sunday that the outbreak became a significant public health concern in August 2026, after sporadic cases were reported earlier in the year.
Jos North is the worst-affected area, with 370 suspected cases, followed by Wase with 29 and Jos South with 22. Barkin Ladi and Mangu have recorded 16 cases each, while other affected areas include Pankshin, Kanam, Mikang, Shendam and Bassa.
The State Government has activated its Incident Management System and appointed Dr Maren Job Damala to coordinate the response. Authorities are also intensifying case searches, contact tracing, public education and vaccination campaigns.
More than 160,000 children have received diphtheria and tetanus vaccines, while over 30,000 have received pentavalent vaccines. However, officials say an additional 250,000 vaccine doses are required to reach children in the remaining parts of Jos North and other affected communities.