The Kaduna state Government has alerted citizens in the state of the outbreak of diphtheria disease in Kafanchan, Jema’a local government area of the state.
This was contained in a statement released by the press secretary to the Kaduna state governor, Muhammed Lawal.
Governor Uba Sani has also taken swift action by directing the Ministry of Health to send an emergency team to investigate the cases and implement immediate measures.
There has been confirmed cases in several communities.
Medical authorities have responded by moving affected individuals to well-equipped hospitals, conducting active case searches, contact tracing, and community sensitization.
Residents have been urged to take preventive measures and report any suspected cases.
TVC News gathered that the number of children in the isolation ward has significantly increased from 5 to 17 in one day, indicating a rapid spread of the diphtheria outbreak.
Among the affected children, one child is on oxygen, and five children have severe cases characterized by visible neck swelling, mouth lesions, fever, and difficulty swallowing.
We also gathered that more cases are being discovered, and patients are arriving at the ward seeking medical attention.
There has been one recorded death in the hospital, but there are reports of other deaths in the community whose exact number is yet to be determined.
Additionally, a female patient in her mid-20s is said to have absconded from the ward after being diagnosed.
