Diphtheria: Kaduna records 68 suspected cases, 8 deaths

The Kaduna State Government has reported 68 suspected cases and eight deaths from diphtheria in the state. Diphtheria is a severe bacterial infection that primarily affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat.

The Director of Public Health at the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Hamza Ibrahim-Ikara, disclosed this information in an interview with NAN in Kaduna. The suspected cases were identified in four local government areas of the state, including Makarfi, Kubau, Jema’a (Kafanchan), and Kaduna North. Out of the eight deaths, five were recorded in Jema’a, and three in Makarfi.

At the moment, there is still one suspected case being monitored at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital. The authorities have taken 28 samples to the laboratory, and they are currently awaiting the results for confirmation of the cases.

In response to the outbreak, contact tracing and active search efforts are ongoing to prevent further transmission of the disease. The Rapid Response Team is conducting media and door-to-door sensitization campaigns in affected communities to raise awareness and provide necessary information.

Residents are urged to report any suspected cases to the nearest health facilities across the state to facilitate timely intervention and containment of the disease.

The state government is placing a high priority on routine immunization to ensure that all children are fully vaccinated against diphtheria and other preventable diseases. Immunization is a crucial preventive measure to protect the population and control the spread of infectious diseases.