Diphtheria outbreak in Kaduna communities, victims evacuated to special clinics
The Kaduna State Ministry of Health on Thursday confirmed an outbreak of diphtheria in some communities in Kafanchan, Jema'a Local Government Area.
Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory tract.
Its symptoms include sore throat, fever, and a white coating on the throat.
It is transmitted by respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes and by direct contact with respiratory fluid.
It has a high mortality rate of up to 20%, especially in children under five.
Mohammed Shehu, the chief press secretary to state governor Uba Sani, said the governor had ordered the Kaduna State Ministry of Health to send an emergency team to investigate the outbreak.
According to the statement, a preliminary report from the ministry revealed that the disease was first recorded in Kafanchan in early July.
"This came after several reports emerged of residents of Takau, Kafanchan A and Kafanchan B wards showing symptoms listed as difficulty breathing, high fever, cough, general body weakness, sore throat and swollen neck.
“Mr. Sani, while commending health officials for their swift response to the health emergency, urged them to continue to carry out their duties diligently and ensure that the disease is contained and eradicated.
“Actions taken by the Ministry so far include referral of affected cases to properly equipped hospitals for proper management, active case finding, contact tracing and intensive community outreach in all affected communities and surrounding areas.
"In line with these efforts, the people of Kaduna are advised to take steps to prevent the spread of the disease by keeping clean and making their environment clean.
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The Kaduna State Ministry of Health on Thursday confirmed an outbreak of diphtheria in some communities in Kafanchan, Jema'a Local Government Area.
Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory tract.
Its symptoms include sore throat, fever, and a white coating on the throat.
It is transmitted by respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes and by direct contact with respiratory fluid.
It has a high mortality rate of up to 20%, especially in children under five.
Mohammed Shehu, the chief press secretary to state governor Uba Sani, said the governor had ordered the Kaduna State Ministry of Health to send an emergency team to investigate the outbreak.
According to the statement, a preliminary report from the ministry revealed that the disease was first recorded in Kafanchan in early July.
"This came after several reports emerged of residents of Takau, Kafanchan A and Kafanchan B wards showing symptoms listed as difficulty breathing, high fever, cough, general body weakness, sore throat and swollen neck.
“Mr. Sani, while commending health officials for their swift response to the health emergency, urged them to continue to carry out their duties diligently and ensure that the disease is contained and eradicated.
“Actions taken by the Ministry so far include referral of affected cases to properly equipped hospitals for proper management, active case finding, contact tracing and intensive community outreach in all affected communities and surrounding areas.
"In line with these efforts, the people of Kaduna are advised to take steps to prevent the spread of the disease by keeping clean and making their environment clean.
Support PREMIUM TIMES integrity and credibility journalism Good journalism is very expensive. Yet only good journalism can guarantee the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy and a transparent government. For free and continued access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask that you consider your modest support of this noble endeavour. By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you are helping to keep relevant journalism alive and ensuring that it remains free and accessible to everyone.
TEXT ANNOUNCEMENT: Call Willie - +2348098788999
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