Kaduna State Government has confirmed the Outbreak of Diphtheria Disease in Kafanchan, Jema’a local government area of the State.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mohammed Lawal Shehu says the State Ministry of Health confirmed the cases after several reports on residents of Takau Ward, Kafanchan A and Kafanchan B wards exhibiting symptoms of the disease such as difficulty in breathing, high fever, cough, general body weakness, sore throat, and neck swelling.
The statement explained that, upon learning about the unfortunate loss of lives in the affected communities, Governor Uba Sani immediately directed the State Ministry of Health to send an emergency team to investigate the cases.
“A preliminary report from the Ministry revealed that the outbreak of diphtheria in Kafanchan, its first recorded case in the beginning of July, 2023”
The statement also says part actions taken by Kaduna State Ministry health so far include moving the affected persons to hospitals for proper management, active case searches, contact tracing and intensive community sensitization in all the affected communities as well as surrounding areas.
It advised residents of Kaduna State to take steps to prevent the spread of the disease and protect their 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.”
The statement urges residents to report any suspected cases of diphtheria in their surrounding communities for prompt action.
Governor Uba Sani, while commending the health officials for their prompt response to the health emergency, urged them to continue to carry out their tasks diligently to ensure that the disease is contained and subsequently eradicated.
AMINU DALHATU
