The Kaduna State Ministry of Health has confirmed that six people, mainly children, have died with 12 others hospitalised following diphtheria disease outbreak in some part of the state.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mohammed Lawal Shehu, on Thursday, 20th July.
Shehu noted that the disease occurred in three wards in Kafanchan LGA, which include; Takau, Kafanchan A and Kafanchan B.
Shehu said that, “A preliminary report from the Ministry revealed that Kafanchan had its first recorded case in the beginning of July, 2023.”
The statement added that the index case was a four-year-old boy whose illness started on July 4, but died after 48 hours while five out of 17 new cases later died within the three wards of Jema’a LGA and twelve others are presently on admission to the hospital.
The reports received stated that, residents started exhibiting symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, high fever, cough, general body weakness, sore throat, neck swelling.
Following the continuous death of children, Governor Sani directed the Ministry of Health to send an emergency team to investigate the cases.
Governor Sani, while commending the health officials for their prompt response to the health emergency, urged them to ensure that the spread of the disease is contained.
The State Ministry of Health further advised residents to take steps in preventing the spread of the disease by ensuring regular handwashing with soap and water, avoid close contact with affected persons, cover mouth with hands while sneezing or coughing.
