Worries As Kaduna Govt Alerts Public On Outbreak Of Diphtheria Disease In The State

The Kaduna State government has alerted the public on the outbreak of diphtheria disease in the state.

According to the Kaduna State Ministry of Health on Thursday 20th July 2023 there have been confirmed cases of the diphtheria disease in some communities in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area.

This confirmation comes after several reports were made about residents in Takau Ward, Kafanchan A and Kafanchan B wards, exhibiting symptoms listed as difficulty in breathing, high fever, cough, general body weakness, sore throat, and neck swelling.

Naija News gathered that upon learning about the unfortunate loss of lives in the affected communities, the Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, immediately directed the Kaduna State Ministry of Health to send an emergency team to investigate these cases. A preliminary report from the Ministry revealed that the outbreak of diphtheria in Kafanchan had its first recorded case in the beginning of July, 2023.

Governor Sani, while commending the health officials for their prompt response to the health emergency, urged them to continue to carry out their tasks diligently to ensure that the disease is contained and subsequently eradicated.

Actions taken by the Ministry so far include the movement of affected cases to adequately equipped hospitals for proper management, active case searches, contact tracing and intensive community sensitization in all affected communities and surrounding areas.

In line with these efforts, residents of Kaduna State are advised to take steps to prevent the spread of the disease and protect the communities. Residents are encouraged to report any suspected cases of diphtheria in their surrounding communities.