Nigeria is intensifying its response to a growing diphtheria outbreak, with authorities in Plateau State ordering the temporary closure of public and private primary and secondary schools as part of efforts to reduce transmission.
The closure follows reports of suspected cases in several local government areas, including Jos North, Jos South, Wase, and Bassa. Health authorities have also increased surveillance, vaccination, laboratory testing, case management, and public awareness activities.
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that primarily affects the respiratory tract. It spreads mainly through respiratory droplets and can cause severe complications when toxins produced by the bacteria affect the heart, nervous system, and other organs.
Children who are unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated are at greater risk. Common symptoms may include sore throat, fever, swollen neck glands, difficulty swallowing, and a thick gray or white coating in the throat.
The response in Plateau State comes as Nigeria continues to address diphtheria transmission in other parts of the country. Federal health authorities have also activated emergency response measures in states including Katsina and Kano, where vaccination and disease-control efforts have been expanded.
The temporary closure of schools underscores the seriousness of the outbreak and the importance of reducing close contact among children while health teams work to identify cases and interrupt transmission.
Health authorities are urging parents and caregivers to ensure that children receive all recommended routine vaccinations and to seek prompt medical attention when symptoms suggestive of diphtheria develop.
The outbreak also highlights the broader importance of strong routine immunization programs, early disease detection, effective surveillance, and rapid public health response in preventing vaccine-preventable diseases from spreading within communities.
Source: Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Nigeria; Plateau State authorities; Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention
