01.09.2026 15:52
In Plateau State, northern Nigeria, 15 people have died due to the spread of diphtheria cases. While 117 cases have been recorded in the region, health authorities warned that the number could increase as surveillance efforts continue. Across Nigeria, more than 10,000 confirmed diphtheria cases have been detected this year.
The increase in diphtheria cases in Nigeria is causing concern. It has been reported that 15 people have lost their lives as a result of the spread of the disease in different parts of Plateau state.
117 CASES DETECTED
Plateau state health official Baks Bulus announced that diphtheria cases are spreading in different parts of the state. According to the information provided by Bulus, 117 diphtheria cases have been recorded in the state so far. Fifteen people have died due to the disease. It was stated that health teams continue their efforts in the regions affected by the disease.
DESCRIBED AS "CONCERNING"
Bulus, who described the situation in Plateau state as "concerning," said health officials continue surveillance efforts in affected communities. Warning that more diphtheria cases could be detected as efforts progress, Bulus also provided information about the transmission routes of the disease. Bulus stated, "When there is an infected person, those who are in close contact with this person and share household items such as kitchen utensils and towels are also highly likely to become infected."
MORE THAN 10,000 CASES NATIONWIDE
The developments in Plateau occurred during a period when diphtheria cases across Nigeria were running high. More than 10,000 confirmed diphtheria cases have been recorded in the country this year. Health officials are conducting vaccination campaigns in states and communities affected by the disease due to recurring outbreaks in recent years. Between 2022 and 2025, more than 42,000 diphtheria cases were detected in Nigeria, and approximately 1,400 people lost their lives due to the disease.
WHO HAD CONFIRMED A SECOND OUTBREAK WAVE
The World Health Organization (WHO) had confirmed that the country was experiencing a second outbreak wave due to the increasing diphtheria cases in Nigeria. The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) also supported efforts to combat the outbreak and sent 9.3 million doses of vaccine to Nigeria last year.