EKO HOT BLOG reports that the number of confirmed diphtheria cases in Nigeria has increased to 216, with a death toll of 40, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
The disease has been confirmed in Kano, Yobe, Lagos, and Osun states, and suspected cases are also reported in Katsina state. Dr. Bola Lawal, the Lead of the Diphtheria/Pertussis Technical Working Group in the NCDC, noted that the health agency was alerted to suspected outbreaks in Kano and Lagos states and a rapid response team was sent to the affected areas on December 12, 2022.
Of the 216 confirmed cases, 184 (85.2%) were aged between two and 14 years, of both sexes. Kano state has recorded 396 suspected cases, Yobe state has recorded 78 suspected cases, Katsina state has 34 suspected cases, Lagos state has recorded 14 suspected cases, and Osun state has one confirmed case.
The majority of the confirmed cases, 27, were fully vaccinated, while 84 were unvaccinated and 20 were partly vaccinated. 38 deaths were recorded in Kano, and two were recorded in Lagos state.
Dr. Lawal urged healthcare workers to be vigilant and report any suspected cases, adding that diphtheria can be controlled through timely access to antitoxin, vaccination, and a high index of suspicion.
Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the nose, throat, and skin. It can spread quickly through coughing, sneezing, or contact with contaminated objects.
Click here to watch the video of the week:
The Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has hailed the management of the Lagos State…
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has adjourned to December 10 for a ruling…
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has dismissed rumours of his death circulating on social media, confirming…