A second wave of Nigeria's ongoing diphtheria outbreak has claimed 15 lives in the northern state of Plateau, where health authorities have confirmed 117 cases and warned that infections could rise as surveillance continues.

Plateau State health authorities said the outbreak has spread across several local government areas, prompting intensified disease monitoring and response efforts.

State health official Baks Bulus described the situation as concerning, saying additional cases are expected to be identified as surveillance teams continue investigations in affected communities.

Explaining how the disease spreads, Bulus said people who have close contact with an infected person or share household items such as eating utensils and towels face a higher risk of infection.

Part of a wider nationwide outbreak

The latest outbreak comes as Nigeria continues to battle one of the world's largest diphtheria epidemics.

More than 10,000 confirmed cases have been reported across the country this year, while nationwide vaccination campaigns are continuing in the worst-affected states.

According to Nigerian health authorities, more than 42,000 suspected and confirmed diphtheria cases and around 1,400 deaths have been recorded nationwide since the outbreak began in 2022.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has described the recent increase in infections as a second wave of the country's prolonged outbreak and continues to support Nigerian authorities through surveillance, laboratory testing, vaccination campaigns and case management.

Highly contagious bacterial disease

Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the nose and throat. It spreads through respiratory droplets or close physical contact and can lead to severe breathing difficulties, heart complications and death if left untreated.

Health officials continue to urge parents to ensure children receive routine immunizations, stressing that vaccination remains the most effective protection against the disease.(ILKHA)