The Kaduna State Ministry of Health has confirmed a concerning outbreak of diphtheria disease in several communities located in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area.
Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the respiratory tract. This outbreak has raised public health concerns due to its potential for rapid transmission.
Symptoms of diphtheria include sore throat, fever, and the formation of a characteristic white layer on the throat.
The infection spreads through respiratory droplets released during coughing and sneezing, as well as through direct contact with respiratory fluids.
It has a high fatality rate of up to 20 per cent, especially in children under five.
Mohammed Shehu, the chief press secretary to the governor of the state, Uba Sani, said the governor had directed the Kaduna State Ministry of Health to send an emergency team to investigate the outbreak.
According to the statement, a preliminary report from the Ministry revealed that the disease was first recorded in Kafanchan at the beginning of July.
“This came after several reports were made about residents in Takau Ward, Kafanchan A and Kafanchan B wards, exhibiting symptoms listed as difficulty breathing, high fever, cough, general body weakness, sore throat, and neck swelling.
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Mr Sani, while commending the health officials for their prompt response to the health emergency, urged them to continue to carry out their tasks diligently and ensure that the disease is contained and 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 sensitisation in all affected communities and surrounding areas.
“In line with these efforts, residents of Kaduna are advised to take steps to prevent the spread of the disease by staying clean and making their environment clean.
