Detwrmined to curtail the further spread of an epidemic, the Governor of a State in Nigeria has ordered the temporary closure of all primary and secondary schools across the state as authorities intensify efforts to contain a diphtheria outbreak that has already claimed at least 23 lives.
The directive, issued by Governor Caleb Mutfwangof Plateau State on Saturday, takes effect Monday, September 7, 2026, and will remain in force until further notice.
The decision comes amid growing concerns that schools could become major points of transmission because of the close and sustained contact among children.
According to Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Nicholas Baamlong, the state has recorded 148 suspected cases of diphtheria since the outbreak began early last month.
Baamlong disclosed in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday that eight patients were receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH).
Another five patients were being treated at the Plateau Specialist Hospital, where isolation centres have been established for suspected diphtheria cases.
The commissioner said the state government had notified the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and requested materials required to collect, preserve and transport samples for laboratory confirmation.
The necessary materials have since been received, he said, allowing health officials to collect samples from suspected cases and send them for testing.
Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the upper respiratory tract and can sometimes affect the skin.
The disease can produce a powerful toxin capable of damaging vital organs, particularly the heart and nervous system.
Although diphtheria is vaccine-preventable, protection requires multiple doses, including booster doses, to establish and maintain adequate immunity.
The World Health Organisation warns that without appropriate treatment, diphtheria can be fatal in about 30 per cent of cases, with young children particularly vulnerable.
For Plateau, the outbreak has therefore raised concerns about vaccination gaps, delayed treatment and the availability of critical medical supplies.
Baamlong expressed particular concern over the limited availability of diphtheria antitoxin in Nigeria, a key treatment used in managing the effects of the disease.
He urged parents and caregivers to ensure that children receive and complete their routine immunisations.
According to the commissioner, some of the children affected by the outbreak had either not been vaccinated or had not completed their vaccination schedules.
He also urged parents to seek medical attention immediately when children begin showing symptoms, noting that delayed presentation at health facilities had contributed to some of the deaths.
As the outbreak continues, the Plateau Government has intensified vaccination and public sensitisation campaigns in affected communities.
Residents have also been advised to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene and avoid overcrowded environments where possible.
The government is particularly concerned about the potential impact of school reopening.
Baamlong said consultations were continuing with school authorities because bringing large numbers of children together could increase close contact and potentially accelerate transmission.
With 23 deaths already recorded and more suspected cases under investigation, Plateau authorities are facing a race against time to contain the outbreak, identify cases early, strengthen vaccination coverage and prevent the disease from spreading further through communities and schools.
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