The Kano state government has confirmed the outbreak of Diphtheria disease in 13 local government areas of the state and has recorded 100 suspected cases out of which 8 was confirmed, three dead were recorded.
The state commissioner for Health Dr Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa stated this during the press conference on Diphtheria and Lassa fever outbreaks in the state.
He said Epidemiology unit of the ministry was notified by Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital of the suspected cases of Diphtheria, the ministry mobilized it’s team to commence investigation.
“As at 20th of January 2023 we we have recorded 100 suspected cases from 13 local government areas which are Ungogo, Nassarawa, Bichi, Dala, Dawakin Tofa, Dawakin Kudu, Fagge, Gwale, Kano Municipal, Kumbotso, Rano, and Gwarzo respectively, out Of the 100 suspected cases, 8 were confirmed, while waiting more results. We have lost 3 lives among 8 confirmed “
Dr Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa further said currently 27 patients were on admission receiving treatment while 41 have been managed and discharged successful.
The commissioner noted that on the 10th January, the public Health Emergency operation center received a report of suspected case of Lassa fever from Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital, a team was deployed to investigate, sample was taken for laboratory test 3 days later the result turned positive for Lassa fever.
“10 samples were taken from the high-risk contacts of the index case, 3 become positive making a total of 4 cases currently managed at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital isolation center.” Dr. Tsanyawa said.
The commissioner maintained that Kano state government had activated kwanar Dawaki isolation center for isolating the Lassa fever cases, adding that staff of ‘yargaya have been trained and transferred to the isolation center where drugs and consumables were propositioned and is fully functional.
He pointed out that state ministry for health through primary health care management board is planning to conduct a Routine immunization intensification campaign to reach out to all illegible children in the affected local government areas from Diphtheria case.
Diphtheria is a serious infection caused by strains of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae that make a toxin.
It’s an infection of the nose and throat, a sheet of thick grey matter covers the back of the throat, making breathing hard.
Diphtheria bacteria spread from person to person, usually through respiratory droplets, like from coughing or sneezing. People can also get sick from touching infected open sores or ulcers.
Abdullahi Jalaluddeen
