Diphtheria: 3-Year-Old Dies As Taraba Records 14 Suspected Cases

A three-year-old child has died from diphtheria in Taraba State, while 14 other suspected cases have been identified in Kungana village, Suntai Ward of Bali Local Government Area.

The development has compelled the state government to activate an emergency response to contain the outbreak across the state.

The Taraba State Ministry of Health, which confirmed the outbreak, said the child was the only laboratory-confirmed case recorded so far.

In a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Taraba State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Victoria Danbaba, the ministry said health authorities had commenced active case search and contact tracing in the affected community.

“The development has prompted the deployment of surveillance and response teams to Kungana to investigate the suspected cases, identify contacts and prevent further transmission of the potentially life-threatening disease,” the statement said.

The government said the response was being coordinated in collaboration with relevant health authorities and partners.

The ministry explained that diphtheria is a bacterial infection that can spread through respiratory droplets from infected persons, particularly when they cough or sneeze, as well as through close contact.

It urged residents to watch out for symptoms including fever, sore throat, cough and swelling of the neck, warning that severe cases could develop a thick grey or white membrane in the throat capable of obstructing breathing.

The ministry urged parents and caregivers to ensure that children are fully vaccinated in accordance with the national routine immunisation schedule.

It also directed residents who develop symptoms suggestive of diphtheria to promptly seek medical attention at the nearest health facility for assessment, testing and appropriate treatment.

The ministry stressed that early detection, notification and treatment remained critical to containing the outbreak.

It further called on schools, communities and other public institutions to maintain proper hygiene and adequate ventilation, while urging residents to cooperate with health officials and surveillance teams working in affected communities.

The ministry said the government would continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as investigation and containment efforts progress.

It urged members of the public to remain calm and vigilant and obtain information on the outbreak only from the Ministry of Health and other verified official sources.