Diphtheria Crisis: Plateau Shuts All Schools as Outbreak Claims 23 Lives, 148 Cases Suspected
Global Mirror News gathered that the Plateau State Government has ordered the immediate temporary closure of all primary and secondary schools across the state following a diphtheria outbreak that has claimed at least 23 lives, with 148 suspected cases recorded by health authorities.
The directive was issued on Saturday, September 5, 2026, by Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, as the Government intensifies efforts to contain the spread of the highly contagious disease.
The closure takes effect from Monday, September 7, 2026, and will remain in force until further notice.
The State Government’s decision followed growing concerns that schools could become major centres of transmission because of the close and sustained contact among pupils and students.
Global Mirror News reports that the outbreak has already placed significant pressure on the State’s health authorities, with officials racing to identify suspected cases, provide treatment, increase vaccination coverage and prevent further spread within Communities.
148 suspected cases recorded
Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Nicholas Baamlong, disclosed that the State had recorded 148 suspected cases of diphtheria since the outbreak began early last month.
Baamlong made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday.
According to him, eight patients were receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), while another five patients were being treated at the Plateau Specialist Hospital.
Isolation centres have been established at the two facilities to manage suspected cases and limit the possibility of further transmission.
The Commissioner said the Plateau State Government had already alerted the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and requested materials required for collecting, preserving and transporting samples for laboratory confirmation.
He explained that the necessary materials had since been received, allowing health officials to collect samples from suspected patients and send them for testing.
Why schools were ordered to close
The decision to shut schools was largely driven by concerns over the possibility of increased transmission among children.
Diphtheria can spread through respiratory droplets and close contact, making crowded environments such as classrooms a potential risk during an active outbreak.
Baamlong said consultations had been ongoing with school authorities because reopening schools while transmission remained a concern could bring large numbers of children together and potentially accelerate the spread of the disease.
Global Mirror News gathered that the Government is therefore using the temporary closure as a preventive measure while health officials intensify surveillance, vaccination and Community sensitisation.
What is diphtheria?
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that primarily affects the upper respiratory tract, although it can also affect the skin.
The disease can produce a powerful toxin capable of damaging vital organs, particularly the heart and nervous system.
It is a vaccine-preventable disease, but adequate protection requires children to receive multiple recommended doses as well as booster doses where applicable.
The World Health Organisation has warned that without appropriate treatment, diphtheria can be fatal in around 30 per cent of cases, with young children particularly vulnerable.
Concern over diphtheria antitoxin
The Plateau health Commissioner expressed concern over the limited availability of diphtheria antitoxin in Nigeria.
The antitoxin is an important component in the treatment of diphtheria because it helps neutralise the toxin produced by the bacteria.
Health authorities have also identified delayed presentation at healthcare facilities as one of the factors contributing to deaths recorded during the outbreak.
Baamlong therefore appealed to parents and caregivers not to wait until symptoms become severe before taking affected children to healthcare facilities.
Parents urged to vaccinate children
The Commissioner urged parents and caregivers across Plateau State to ensure that their children receive and complete their routine immunisation schedules.
He disclosed that some of the children affected by the outbreak had either not been vaccinated or had not completed their vaccination schedules.
According to him, improving vaccination coverage remains one of the most important measures for protecting children and reducing the risk of further transmission.
Parents have also been advised to pay close attention to symptoms and seek medical assistance promptly when a child develops signs suggestive of diphtheria.
Late presentation blamed for some deaths
Baamlong attributed some of the deaths recorded during the outbreak to late presentation at health facilities.
He urged parents and caregivers to seek medical attention immediately when children develop symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough, difficulty swallowing, weakness or unusual changes at the back of the throat.
Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the chances of survival and help health authorities isolate suspected cases before they infect others.
Government intensifies vaccination and sensitisation
As the outbreak continues, the Plateau State Government has intensified vaccination and public awareness campaigns in affected communities.
The Government is also engaging traditional, religious and community leaders to educate residents about the disease, encourage vaccination and promote early presentation at health facilities.
Residents have been advised to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene and avoid overcrowded environments as much as possible.
Global Mirror News reports that health officials are particularly concerned about densely populated communities, where close contact can make it easier for infectious diseases such as diphtheria to spread.
Health facilities receive support
Medications have been distributed to the Plateau Specialist Hospital and JUTH, which are currently serving as key treatment and isolation facilities for suspected diphtheria cases.
However, the availability of diphtheria antitoxin remains a major concern for health authorities.
The State Government has continued to seek support from relevant federal health agencies to strengthen its response to the outbreak.
Plateau races to contain outbreak
With 23 deaths and 148 suspected cases now reported, Plateau State is facing an urgent public health challenge.
The temporary closure of schools is expected to reduce close contact among children while the Government works to strengthen disease surveillance, expand vaccination, improve access to treatment and intensify public education.
The Government is also expected to continue monitoring the situation before deciding when it will be safe for schools to reopen.
Global Mirror News gathered that authorities are urging residents to cooperate fully with health officials, ensure that children are properly immunised, observe recommended preventive measures and report suspected cases without delay.
The Plateau outbreak has once again highlighted the importance of routine childhood immunisation, early medical intervention and adequate preparedness to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases from developing into wider public health emergencies.
