At least, 15 people have died and 78 suspected cases recorded as killer disease, diphtheria invaded 14 Local Government Areas in Kano State.
Diphtheria is a serious infection caused by strains of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae that forms toxin in humans. It can lead to difficulty in breathing, heart rhythm problems, and even death.
Risk factors of diphtheriae include crowded environments, poor hygiene, and lack of immunization.
The state Epidemiologist, Dr Abdullahi Kauran-Mata, who confirmed the killer disease in Abuja on Thursday, said that out of the 27 samples taken to the laboratory, eight were confirmed positive.
He noted that death from probable cases must have exceeded 15 as of January 18, adding that the government has commenced sensitisation through the radio to enlighten the communities about the disease.
”Currently, the state government has set up a diphtheria treatment centre with support from the international medical humanitarian organisation, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) at Murtala Muhammad specialist hospital where the active cases are receiving treatment", he said.
Kauran-Mata emphasized that the state government has already established a coordinating body ( Diphtheria Technical working group) led by the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO) to coordinate the response to the outbreak.
He disclosed that diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable disease, saying that the vaccine is mainly for children based on the immunisation protocol of the country.
The epidemiologist listed other preventable messures as the wearing of a facemask, proper hand and personal hygiene, minimal contact with infected persons and prompt referral to a health facility.
Kano State government had in March 2021 confirmed the death of four persons following the outbreak of a strange disease in about 10 Local Government Areas of the state.
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