Kaduna Govt Mobilises Emergency Team As Residents Die Of Diphtheria

The Kaduna State Ministry of Health has confirmed cases of diphtheria in some communities in Kafanchan, Jema’a local government area.

The confirmation came after several reports were made about residents in Takau Ward, Kafanchan A and Kafanchan B wards, exhibiting symptoms listed as difficulty in breathing, high fever, cough, general body weakness, sore throat and neck swelling.

The chief press secretary to the governor, Muhammad Lawal Shehu, in a statement said upon learning about the loss of lives in the affected communities, Governor Uba Sani  directed the Ministry of Health to send an emergency team to investigate the cases.

The statement said a preliminary report from the ministry revealed that the outbreak in Kafanchan had its first recorded case in the beginning of July.

Sani, while commending the health officials for their prompt response, urged them to continue to carry out their tasks diligently to ensure that the disease is contained and subsequently eradicated.

“Actions taken by the ministry so far include the movement of affected cases to adequately equipped hospitals for proper management, active case searches, contact tracing and intensive community sensitisation in all affected communities and surrounding areas.

“In line with these efforts, residents are advised to take steps to prevent spread of the disease and protect our communities.  Residents should ensure that they wash their hands frequently with soap and water, avoid close contact with people who are sick, cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing, stay home from work or school if they are sick, stay active and walk everyday to boost immunity and report any suspected case of diphtheria in their surrounding communities,” the statement said.