Diphtheria outbreak: Kaduna records 20 deaths, 150 cases
By Austine Emmanuel, Kaduna
Following the diphtheria outbreak in some parts of the country, since March, 2023 Kaduna State has recorded at least 20 deaths out of 150 cases.
The Executive Director and Chief Eecutive Officer, (CEO) National Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Faisal Shuiabu, disclosed this during his visit to the Kaduna Diphtheria Treatment Center, Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Kaduna on Wednesday.
He said Kaduna ranks among the six to seven States that have the largest numbers of diphtheria cases.
Shuiabu, while applauding the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board, said he is impressed by the leadership provided by its Executive Secretary and his team, adding that he is optimistic that the outbreak would be controlled in a short period of time.
He noted that the outbreak is a preventable disease, stressing that the data seen so far shows that over 80 percent of those infected by this disease did not get the diphtheria vaccine and as a result got infected due to low immunity.
“We are here today at the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital to assess the diphtheria outbreak that has engulfed parts of Kaduna State. Since March when the outbreak was first agitated here in Kaduna State, they have seen 150 cases and about 20 death.
“That is high for diphtheria, but we also recognized that the patients are presenting late, and that is why it is very important that the media step up to increase awareness and provide information to community members about the existence of this outbreak and the need for patients to present early to the health facilities so that they can get the medication, that is required while their contacts get the opportunity of being vaccinated against the disease.
“We are very proud of the work that is ongoing here. The leadership of the CMD, the doctors and the health workers are really commendable. We have seen the leadership that is being provided by the Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board and we are optimistic that within the shortest possible time this outbreak will be controlled.
“It is very clear like we mentioned in other States that this is really a preventable disease. If we look at the data, we have seen that over 80 percent of those infected by this disease did not get the diphtheria vaccine. We see this outbreak because of low immunity that has been brought on by low vaccination coverage.
“It is very important that we recognise that this is an airborne disease and just like COVID, we should use face mask, cough and sneeze into our elbows if we have symptoms that are suggestive of diphtheria.
“It is still early, so we will not go to town and say this outbreak is under control. We recognise that there are communities that we have to improve on our case finding, do contact tracing, but when you look at the data from the last couple of weeks, we do see a downward trend, but again I want to emphasise on the fact that we are not out of it yet. We have to work hard with the frontline health workers in order to totally eradicate the trend,” he said.
He also urged Kaduna residents to inculcate the habit of using nose mask, whenever they visit any hospital and also report any symptoms that is suggestive of the airborne disease.
