Nigeria, Sept. 1 -- An outbreak of diphtheria in parts of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State has killed 15 people among 117 suspected cases reported, health authorities have said.

The Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO) for Jos North, Baks Bulus, disclosed this on Tuesday during an interaction with journalists in Jos.

Mr Bulus said the deaths were recorded within three days of the outbreak, warning that the number of cases could increase if urgent measures were not taken to contain the disease.

"So far, according to the data we have gathered from the communities, 117 people are suspected to have contracted the disease. Out of this number, we have already recorded 15 deaths," he said.

Among those who died...