Plateau State has closed public and private primary and secondary schools following a diphtheria outbreak affecting Jos North, Jos South, Bassa and Wase. By September 7, health authorities were reporting 148 suspected cases and 25 fatalities. Across Nigeria, eight states, including Plateau, accounted for 98 per cent of confirmed cases in the latest NCDC assessment, with about 68 per cent of confirmed cases being unvaccinated. The article argues for surveillance and a catch-up vaccination in schools and communities.
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