Diphtheria Kills 4 Children In Nasarawa

Four children have been confirmed dead following the outbreak of Diphtheria in Nasarawa State.

This was discussed by health educator, Mr Ishaya Amegwa during the state social mobilization technical working group meeting in Lafia.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), in September said the number of confirmed case of Diphtheria in Nasarawa was one.

Amegwa said the incidents involving the four children were recorded in Nassarawa local government area of the state.

He said because of the development, the state government, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), has commenced contact tracing of children who had contact with the deceased to offer them preventable medication.

He urged parents to avail their children the opportunity of preventable vaccination since they are mostly vulnerable to disease.

He said the Plateau and Kaduna State governments are working to prevent mutant polio virus earlier discovered in the two areas.

He urged members of the technical working group, including representatives of the state ministry of education, media and interfaith forum to intensify awareness creation on trending health issues to change the behaviour of people.