Nigeria, Sept. 10 -- Twenty-seven people have died from a suspected diphtheria outbreak in Plateau State, while suspected cases have increased to 303, a state health official has said.

The State Epidemiologist, Maren Damulak, disclosed the figures while speaking with journalists in Jos on Wednesday.

He said most of the suspected cases were recorded in Jos North Local Government Area.

Mr Damulak said 99 per cent of the suspected cases were recorded in Jos North, with Rikkos community among the worst-affected areas.

"As of today, the cases have increased from 149 to 303. The death has also increased from 23 to 27. The high cases of the disease are in Jos North. Ninety-nine per cent of the cases are in Jos North," he said.

He attributed...