An outbreak of diphtheria in parts of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State has killed 15 people among 117 suspected cases reported, health authorities have said.

The Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO) for Jos North, Baks Bulus, disclosed this on Tuesday during an interaction with journalists in Jos.

Mr Bulus said the deaths were recorded within three days of the outbreak, warning that the number of cases could increase if urgent measures were not taken to contain the disease.

“So far, according to the data we have gathered from the communities, 117 people are suspected to have contracted the disease. Out of this number, we have already recorded 15 deaths,” he said.

Among those who died were two siblings aged between 12 and 17 years, according to the official.

Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that can spread from person to person, particularly through close contact with an infected person, Mr Bulus explained.

He said sharing personal items such as utensils and towels could increase the risk of transmission.

According to him, vaccination remains one of the most effective ways of preventing severe complications and deaths from the disease.

“For children who have been vaccinated, the effects may be milder and may not lead to death. But for a child who has not been fully vaccinated or has not completed the required doses, it can be deadly,” he said.

Mr Bulus urged residents of the affected communities to maintain good hygiene, avoid overcrowded places, and seek medical attention promptly if they develop symptoms suspected of being associated with diphtheria.

He also cautioned residents against self-medication or relying solely on patent medicine vendors.

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“Most times, people resort to chemists and self-medication, which we do not advise. The best approach is to visit primary healthcare centres where we have the necessary structures and personnel in place,” he said.

The DSNO said health workers had been deployed to affected communities to intensify disease surveillance, sensitise residents and support efforts to prevent further transmission.

He urged parents and guardians to ensure that children receive the recommended doses of diphtheria-containing vaccines.

Meanwhile, efforts to obtain further details from the Plateau State Ministry of Health were unsuccessful.

The State Epidemiologist, Maren Job, did not respond to calls placed to her phone.

The Allied Peoples’ Movement, APM, in Lagos State has reaffirmed its unity and declared its readiness to mount a strong challenge against the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2027 elections.

The party’s governorship candidate in the state, Laja Adeoye, made this known in a statement on Tuesday following a strategic meeting with the party’s Senate and House of Representatives candidates.

Adeoye said the meeting, organised by the Laja Adeoye Campaign Organisation, brought together members of the State Executive Committee, candidates and other key stakeholders of the party.

He said the meeting was attended by the state chairman, secretary, woman leader, organising secretary, publicity secretary and youth leader, alongside other party officials.

According to him, chairmen of the APM across the 20 local government areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas also participated in the meeting.

Adeoye said the gathering provided an opportunity for party leaders and candidates to address key issues, strengthen internal coordination and make strategic appointments ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said the resolutions reached at the meeting showed the party’s determination to build a stronger and more coordinated political structure across Lagos.

“APM Lagos remains one strong, united family,” Adeoye said.

The governorship candidate said the party was determined to secure substantial support for its candidates across all levels of the 2027 elections, from the governorship race to the National Assembly contests.

“The party is fully committed to delivering massive votes for all our candidates, from top to bottom,” he stated.

Adeoye said the meeting also strengthened the working relationship among candidates, party leaders and members as preparations for the elections gather momentum.

He reaffirmed the commitment of his campaign organisation to collaborating with the party’s leadership and members across the state to achieve its political objectives.

The APM governorship candidate urged members and supporters to remain united, focused and committed to the party as it intensifies its mobilisation ahead of the 2027 polls.

He maintained that the party’s strength was rooted in its structures across the LGAs and LCDAs, as well as the dedication of its members.