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 nose and throat’s mucous membranes.
Hamza Ibrahim-Ikara, the Director of Public Health at Kaduna State Primary Health Care Development Agency, revealed this information during an interview with newsmen in Kaduna on Tuesday.
The suspected cases originated from four local government areas (LGAs) within the state, namely Makarfi, Kubau, Jema’a (Kafanchan), and Kaduna North. Jema’a accounted for five of the fatalities, while Makarfi reported three.
Presently, there is one remaining suspected case being monitored at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital. Currently, 28 samples have been collected and sent to the laboratory for testing, and they are awaiting the results.
He said that at the moment, all cases are considered as suspects, and there hasn’t been any confirmation until the results are available.
He mentioned that efforts in contact tracing and active search are underway to control the spread of the disease.
Additionally, the Rapid Response Team is sensitizing the people through media and door-to-door visits in communities.
Mr. Ibrahim-Ikara encouraged residents to promptly report any suspected kk cases to the nearest health facilities in the state.
He emphasized that the state government is giving high priority to routine immunization, ensuring that all children receive complete vaccinations against the disease.
