Plateau State has recorded 469 suspected diphtheria cases and 31 deaths as health authorities intensify efforts to contain an outbreak that has affected 10 local government areas.
The figures were disclosed by Plateau State Commissioner for Health Nicholas Ba’amlong during a September 24 briefing on the state’s response to the outbreak. Of the 469 suspected cases, three had been laboratory-confirmed, according to the state government.
The outbreak became a major public-health concern in August after the state recorded sporadic suspected cases earlier in the year.
Jos North accounts for most suspected cases
Jos North has recorded the largest share of suspected cases, with 370 reported by the state government.
The other affected local government areas are Wase with 29 cases, Jos South with 22, Barkin Ladi and Mangu with 16 each, Pankshin with five, Kanam, Mikang and Shendam with four, four and two respectively, and Bassa with one.
The distribution means that the reported outbreak is concentrated heavily in Jos North, although health authorities are monitoring affected communities across the other nine LGAs.
Plateau has 17 local government areas in total.
Most reported cases remain suspected
The distinction between suspected and confirmed cases is important.
The state’s reported total of 469 refers to suspected cases, while only three had been laboratory-confirmed at the time of the September 24 briefing. This means the headline figure should not be interpreted as 469 laboratory-confirmed infections.
Diphtheria diagnosis can involve laboratory testing alongside clinical and epidemiological assessment. WHO describes diphtheria as a bacterial disease that primarily affects the upper respiratory tract and can produce a toxin capable of damaging organs including the heart and nerves.
The disease is vaccine-preventable, but protection depends on receiving the recommended vaccine doses and maintaining adequate population coverage.
Vaccination campaign expands
Plateau health authorities have expanded vaccination and surveillance activities as part of the response.
The state commissioner said more than 160,000 children had been reached with diphtheria and tetanus vaccines, while more than 30,000 children had received pentavalent vaccines.
The state has also requested additional diphtheria vaccines from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency to sustain the immunisation campaign in affected communities.
Health officials are encouraging parents to ensure that children receive recommended routine vaccinations, particularly because the commissioner said some affected children had either not been vaccinated or had not completed their vaccination schedules.
Health facilities treating suspected cases
Seventeen patients were receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital and Plateau Specialist Hospital when the latest figures were reported.
Isolation centres have been established at the two facilities, while treatment supplies have been provided to support the management of severe suspected cases.
The state’s response also includes active case searches, contact tracing and community engagement.
Teachers in public and private schools in Jos North have been trained to recognise early signs of diphtheria and take appropriate action, according to the commissioner.
Health authorities say cases are declining
Despite the reported deaths and continued spread across multiple LGAs, the Plateau health commissioner said the number of cases was declining.
He attributed the reported improvement to intensified vaccination, surveillance and public-awareness activities.
The state has also activated an Incident Management System to coordinate its response.
The incident-management structure is intended to coordinate government agencies and partners, monitor response activities, support resource mobilisation and maintain communication with the public.
Diphtheria remains a wider African health concern
The Plateau outbreak is occurring against a broader background of diphtheria activity in Africa.
WHO’s September 16, 2026 rapid risk assessment examined the regional risk from diphtheria, including the potential for geographic spread and limitations in outbreak-control capacity.
WHO’s weekly epidemiological reporting for September 14 to 20 also listed diphtheria among the potential public-health events assessed in Africa during that period.
Nigeria has experienced significant diphtheria outbreaks in previous years. WHO has identified low or incomplete vaccination coverage among important factors contributing to the risk of transmission in affected populations.
What residents should know
Diphtheria can spread through respiratory droplets and close contact. People who are not adequately vaccinated are at greater risk of infection, according to WHO.
Because the disease can become severe, early recognition and access to appropriate medical care are important.
The Plateau government is asking communities to cooperate with health workers involved in case detection, contact tracing and vaccination.
Parents and guardians should also follow guidance from health authorities regarding routine and outbreak-response vaccination rather than relying on unverified information circulating through social media.
Response continues
As of September 27, 2026, Plateau’s reported outbreak stands at 469 suspected cases and 31 deaths, with 10 LGAs affected.
The state says its response is being intensified through vaccination, surveillance, contact tracing, treatment, public awareness and coordination with national and international health partners.
The number of suspected cases should continue to be interpreted separately from laboratory-confirmed cases as investigations and testing proceed.
For Plateau residents, the immediate public-health focus remains identifying cases early, treating those who are sick and increasing vaccination coverage in communities where protection is incomplete.
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