Nigeria: Diphtheria Spreads in Plateau, Katsina, Kano
[Daily Trust] Many communities in Plateau, Katsina and Kano states have been hit by diphtheria outbreaks as the authorities battle to halt the spread of the infection, which has claimed several lives and sickened many others.
Several communities in Plateau, Katsina and Kano states have been affected by diphtheria outbreaks. The health authorities are struggling to contain the spread of the highly contagious disease, which has already claimed 23 lives and infected 143 others across various communities in Plateau State. Most of the fatalities occurred in the past three weeks, prompting the state government to intensify efforts to curb the outbreak.
Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, the state Commissioner for Health, reported that nine patients are currently receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital and the Plateau Specialist Hospital. The major challenges being faced include the lack of diphtheria antitoxin and patients presenting late at health facilities, hindering effective containment measures.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has been notified of the situation, and the state is awaiting support, particularly the supply of antitoxin and specialised sample collection containers for diagnosis.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
