At least 19 people have died from suspected diphtheria in Adamawa State, representing a case fatality rate of 20.6 per cent, as the number of suspected cases has risen to 92.

The Adamawa State Ministry of Health and Human Services, which disclosed this in its latest epidemiological update made available to Daily Sun, said 15 new suspected cases were recorded as of September 10, 2026.

The fresh cases were reported in Gombi, Ganye, Mubi South, Mayo-Belwa, Yola North and Yola South local government areas.

Seven patients are currently receiving treatment at designated health facilities, including four at Cottage Hospital, Gombi; two at Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital (MAUTH), Yola; and one at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Mubi.

According to the ministry, suspected diphtheria cases have cumulatively been reported across 13 LGAs, including Demsa, Fufore, Ganye, Girei, Gombi, Madagali, Maiha, Michika, Mubi North, Mubi South, Numan, Yola North and Yola South.

The ministry expressed concern over the 20.6 per cent fatality rate, warning that diphtheria could progress rapidly and result in severe complications, particularly when infected persons report late to health facilities or experience delays in accessing appropriate treatment.

It said the state government had intensified epidemiological investigations, laboratory surveillance, contact tracing and active case searches in affected and neighbouring communities to contain further transmission.

Suspected cases and their contacts are also being identified and followed up, while patients are referred to designated treatment centres for appropriate clinical management.

The ministry said infection prevention and control measures had been strengthened at health facilities handling suspected and confirmed cases to minimise transmission to health workers, patients and caregivers.

It added that healthcare workers were being sensitised on early recognition, notification and prompt management of suspected cases.

The government, in collaboration with health partners, is also intensifying public awareness on symptoms of the disease, early presentation at health facilities and vaccination.

According to the ministry, supplies required for the management of diphtheria, including antibiotics, supportive treatment materials and diphtheria antitoxin, are being monitored and coordinated with relevant partners.

It identified symptoms of the disease to include sore throat, fever, difficulty in swallowing or breathing, swelling of the neck and the development of a thick greyish-white membrane in the throat.

The ministry urged residents experiencing such symptoms to seek immediate medical attention and advised parents and caregivers to ensure that their children are appropriately immunised.

It also appealed to residents to cooperate with health workers involved in contact tracing, vaccination and other outbreak-control measures, assuring that verified epidemiological updates would be released as the situation develops. (The Sun)