Diphtheria: 26 Die, 21 Hospitalised In Yobe

The Yobe State government has confirmed that the 26 patients who contracted diphtheria earlier reported a few weeks ago have all died while 21 persons quarantined at various isolation centres across the state are still receiving medication.

The senior special assistant to the governor on healthcare, Dr Mohammed Lawan Gana said 289 patients had so far been discharged from across various health facilities in the state.

Gana said the administration of Hon Mai Mala Buni had as part of efforts to avert spread of the disease embarked on preventive and control measures such as advocacies, sensitisation and community mobilisation across the state.

“With regard to diphtheria, we have 21 active cases, 26 deaths while 289 have been discharged as at 17th July, 2023. We have 336 cumulative number from 2022 to 2023.

“Diphtheria which is currently ravaging the country is now recorded in the state with the highest cases recorded in Nguru, Bursari, Potiskum, Tarmuwa, Damaturu and Nangere local government areas,” he said.

The special assistant further said government was intensifying training for clinical staff to effectively manage the cases, especially as the rainy season  sets in where cases of malaria may complicate the diphtheria cases.