The recent outbreak of diphtheria in Plateau State, which has now claimed 27 lives and left 303 suspected cases, is raising concerns over the wider economic consequences of the health crisis as the government moves to contain its spread.
The latest figures, disclosed by Maren Damulak, the State Epidemiologist on Wednesday while briefing journalists in Jos, represent an increase from the previously reported 23 deaths and 143 suspected cases.
Damulak said the majority of the suspected cases were recorded in Jos North Local Government Area, with Rikkos community identified as one of the worst-hit areas. He added that children constituted a significant proportion of those affected.
In response to the worsening outbreak, the state government has intensified surveillance, contact tracing, community sensitisation and vaccination in affected communities, while suspected patients are receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital and Plateau State Specialist Hospital.
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