The Taraba State Ministry of Health has confirmed an outbreak of diphtheria following the identification of 14 suspected cases and one laboratory-confirmed case in Kungana, Suntai Ward of Bali Local Government Area.
The confirmed case involved a three-year-old child who died from the disease.
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Following the confirmation, the state government has activated an emergency response and deployed health surveillance teams to the affected community to strengthen disease surveillance and prevent further transmission.
Response teams are conducting active case searches, contact tracing and other outbreak-control measures in collaboration with relevant health authorities and partners.
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial disease that can spread from person to person, particularly through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes, as well as through close contact with an infected individual.
Common symptoms include fever, sore throat, cough and swelling of the neck. In severe cases, a thick grey or white membrane can form in the throat and interfere with breathing.
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The Ministry has urged parents, caregivers and members of the public to remain vigilant and ensure that children are fully vaccinated according to the national routine immunisation schedule.
It said vaccination provides effective protection against diphtheria and remains an important measure for preventing outbreaks and reducing severe disease.
The Ministry advised anyone who develops symptoms suggestive of diphtheria to promptly report to the nearest health facility for assessment, testing and appropriate treatment.
It stressed that early recognition, notification and treatment are critical components of an effective diphtheria outbreak response.
Schools, communities and other public settings were also advised to maintain good hygiene and adequate ventilation, while members of the public were encouraged to cooperate with health authorities and response teams during the ongoing investigation and containment efforts.
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The Taraba State Government, through the Ministry of Health and relevant health agencies, said it would continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates as more information becomes available.
The public was urged to remain calm and vigilant and rely on verified information from the Taraba State Ministry of Health and other official health authorities.