Taraba State health authorities have confirmed a case of diphtheria in Bali Local Government Area, with the affected patient reported to have died before comprehensive clinical treatment could be provided.

The State Epidemiologist and Coordinator of Health Security, Dr Udi Aketemo, disclosed the development on Wednesday, September 16, saying authorities had stepped up surveillance in Bali and surrounding communities to detect possible additional infections and limit further spread.

According to Aketemo, the state had initially encountered difficulties confirming suspected diphtheria infections because of inadequate diagnostic capacity.

He said testing kits and specialised laboratory equipment had since been deployed to the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo, improving the ability of health officials to test suspected cases and intervene more quickly.

Aketemo said 14 additional suspected cases were identified and tested following the confirmed case, but all returned negative results.

He added that the Taraba State Ministry of Health had activated its public health surveillance system, with attention focused on Bali and neighbouring communities.

The surveillance effort is expected to track suspected infections, monitor communities considered at risk and allow health workers to respond quickly where necessary.

Taraba Commissioner for Health Dr Bordiya Buma also said the ministry and the state government had intensified efforts to prevent the disease from spreading to other parts of the state.

Health officials urged parents and caregivers to ensure children receive their routine vaccinations and advised residents to seek medical attention promptly if symptoms associated with diphtheria develop.

Diphtheria is a contagious bacterial disease that commonly affects the respiratory tract. According to the World Health Organisation, symptoms can include sore throat, fever, swollen neck glands and weakness, while severe infection can make breathing or swallowing difficult. Vaccination remains the most effective means of preventing the disease.

Nigeria has experienced significant diphtheria transmission in recent years. WHO reported that the country recorded 8,587 confirmed cases and 884 deaths between January 1 and November 2, 2025, with confirmed cases across 30 states at the time.

Although some reports on Wednesday described the Bali infection as Taraba’s first confirmed diphtheria case, historical Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention data show that Taraba had previously recorded confirmed cases. An NCDC situation report covering epidemiological week 19 of 2022 through week 4 of 2025 listed 90 suspected cases and two confirmed cases in Taraba during that period.

Health authorities said surveillance would continue in Bali and surrounding areas as officials work to identify suspected infections early and prevent further transmission.