The Plateau State Government has disclosed that the death toll from the diphtheria outbreak in the state has risen to 27, while 303 cases have been recorded so far.

The state’s Chief Epidemiologist, Dr Maren Damulak, who disclosed the figures while briefing newsmen in Jos on Thursday, said the previous death toll was 23 but had risen to 27 following the deaths of two parents on Wednesday.

He added that the number of suspected cases had also risen sharply from about 149 to 303, with Jos North Local Government Area, particularly the Rikkos community, identified as the most affected area.

“As of today, the cases have increased from 149 to 303. The death toll has also increased from 23 to 27. Jos North has the highest number of cases. 99% of the cases are in Jos North,” Damulak said.

He emphasised that most of those affected were people who had not received the diphtheria vaccine, particularly children whose parents did not take advantage of the government’s free vaccination window.

He, however, assured that the state government was doing everything possible to contain the outbreak, including the temporary closure of all primary and secondary schools following the detection of suspected cases in Jos North, Jos South, Bassa and Wase Local Government Areas.

The measure, Damulak said, was aimed at reducing transmission among students and school staff while health authorities strengthen surveillance and response activities.

“In Jos North, the local government council has deployed additional logistics, including motorcycles, to enhance contact tracing, field surveillance and community outreach, while Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has directed the immediate mobilisation of drugs and other medical commodities to health facilities to combat the disease,” he added.