Health officials have confirmed that at least 98 people have died following a diphtheria outbreak affecting Zamfara, Plateau, and Gombe states.
According to authorities, the fatalities have been linked largely to gaps in childhood immunization across the affected areas. Many of the victims were reportedly not fully vaccinated.
Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects the throat and airways. Health workers say the disease spreads quickly in communities where vaccination coverage is low, putting children and young people at greatest risk.
Medical teams in the three states have been mobilized to treat patients, trace contacts, and step up vaccination campaigns. Officials are also conducting community sensitization to encourage parents to present their children for immunization.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and state health ministries say efforts are ongoing to contain the outbreak. They are urging residents to take preventive measures seriously and ensure all eligible children receive their routine vaccines.
Diphtheria Outbreak Claims 98 Lives in Zamfara, Plateau and Gombe Amid Low Vaccination Rates
