Diphtheria claims 23 lives in Plateau, 143 suspected cases recorded

At least 23 people have died following a suspected outbreak of diphtheria in Plateau State, with 143 suspected cases recorded in the last two weeks. The Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, stated that nine patients are currently receiving treatment at local hospitals. Challenges include a shortage of diphtheria antitoxin and difficulties in confirming suspected cases due to the lack of specialized containers for transporting samples.