It is preventable and treatable but it is back and spreading fast. Diphtheria has forced Plateau to shut all schools and doctors say children are most at risk. Here is what cbinews found inside the isolation centre.

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that hits the throat and breathing system. It spreads through coughs and close contact.

Nigeria has seen a big resurgence since 2022. More than 60 percent of suspected cases are unvaccinated and national coverage for DTP3 sits at just 57 percent from the 2021 survey, well below the 75 to 80 percent needed for herd immunity.

In Plateau, Governor Caleb Mutfwang ordered all public and private primary and secondary schools to close from Monday September 7 2026 until further notice after suspected cases were found in Jos North, Wase, Jos South and Bassa.

Dr. Maren Job, an epidemiologist with the Plateau State Ministry of Health, gives an update on the current outbreak, highlighting the local government areas mostly affected, including Jos North, Jos South, Bassa, among others.

CBI News correspondent Abideen Muhammad visited the Diphtheria Isolation Centre at the Plateau State Specialist Hospital, where he met with Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Dabit Othniel, who is in charge of patients being treated for diphtheria.

Dr. Othniel stated that there has been an increase in the number of suspected diphtheria cases over the past two weeks. He added that cases have also been increasing annually and highlighted some of the key symptoms associated with the disease.

However, Dr. Maren Job advised people experiencing severe symptoms to seek medical attention immediately. She also disclosed that the health team is fully engaged in active case searches in communities to identify suspected cases and ensure early intervention.

Meanwhile, Dr. Dabit Othniel called on members of the public to maintain good personal hygiene and advised that people experiencing symptoms of diphtheria should be isolated to prevent further transmission.

As told to cbinews.tv, authorities are now intensifying surveillance. The public is urged to stay vigilant, seek care early and make sure children are fully vaccinated. In this fight early action saves a life and prevention stops an outbreak.

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