Jos: The death toll from the diphtheria outbreak in Nigeria's central Plateau state has risen to 27, while the number of suspected cases has more than doubled to 303, health authorities said on Wednesday. The state epidemiologist, Maren Damulak, disclosed the figures while briefing journalists, saying the number of suspected cases had increased from 149 to 303, while fatalities rose from 23 to 27.

According to Anadolu Agency, about '99% of the cases are in Jos North,' Damulak said, in a statement shared with the news outlet. He mentioned that most of those affected had not received diphtheria vaccination, with children accounting for a significant proportion of the suspected cases. The Rikkos community in Jos North Local Government Area was identified as one of the worst-affected areas.

The state government has intensified surveillance, contact tracing, community sensitisation, and vaccination campaigns in affected communities as authorities seek to contain the spread. The government had earlier ordered the temporary closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state from Sept. 7 after suspected cases were reported in Jos North, Jos South, Bassa, and Wase local government areas.

The closure is intended to reduce transmission among pupils, students, and school staff while health authorities step up surveillance and response activities. Some patients are receiving treatment in isolation at the Jos University Teaching Hospital and Plateau Specialist Hospital.

The latest figures represent a sharp increase from the 23 deaths and 143 suspected cases reported by the Plateau health commissioner earlier this month. At that time, officials cited late presentation of patients and shortages of diphtheria antitoxin as major challenges to the response.

Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial disease that can spread through respiratory droplets and close contact. It is vaccine-preventable, and health authorities have urged residents to seek early medical attention and ensure children receive recommended vaccinations. Nigeria's disease control authorities have identified Plateau among eight states accounting for 98% of the country's confirmed diphtheria cases.