Kano Records 78 Cases Of Diphtheria

78 suspected cases of diphtheria, a highly contagious bacterial infection, has been recorded in 14 Local Government Areas of Kano State.

Dr Abdullahi Kauran-Mata, the state Epidemiologist disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja, adding that 27 samples have been taken to the laboratory out of which eight were confirmed positive and three deaths were registered in the state.

The state epidemiologist, however, said that death from probable cases, have reached 15, as of Jan.18.

”Currently, the state government has set up a diphtheria treatment centre with support from the international medical humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) at Murtala Muhammad specialist hospital where the active cases are receiving treatment

”Community sensitisation, through radio jingles, radio discussion has since begun

”The state government has also established a coordinating body ( Diphtheria Technical working group) led by the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO) to coordinate the response to the outbreak”.

Kauran-mata said that diphtheria was a vaccine-preventable disease.

”However, the vaccine is mainly for children based on the immunisation protocol of the country

”Other preventative measures include; the wearing of a facemask, proper hand and personal hygiene, minimal contact with infected persons and prompt referral to the health facility,” he said.

Also speaking, Mrs Jennifer Shoshan, a Medical Laboratory Scientist with Innovative Biotech Limited, said that health workers may suspect diphtheria in a sick child who has a sore throat with a grey membrane covering the tonsils and throat.