Taraba records first diphtheria case
A patient has died from confirmed diphtheria in Bali Local Government Council of Taraba State, marking the state’s first recorded case of the vaccine-preventable bacterial disease. The State Epidemiologist, Dr Udi Aketemo, confirmed the development in a telephone interview with DAILY POST on Wednesday in Jalingo, saying the patient died before comprehensive clinical management could […] Taraba…
Taraba State experienced its inaugural case of diphtheria, resulting in a patient's death, according to Dr Udi Aketemo, the State Epidemiologist. The incident occurred in Bali Local Government Council, and authorities have ramped up surveillance to identify and curb further spread of the bacterial disease. Initially, Taraba State faced hurdles in diagnosing suspected cases due to insufficient testing facilities.
However, the situation improved after the deployment of testing kits and specialized laboratory equipment to the Federal Medical Centre in Jalingo. After testing, all 14 suspected cases were found to be negative. Nonetheless, the Ministry of Health has activated its public health surveillance system, with heightened attention on Bali and neighboring areas.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Buma G. Bordiya, assured residents that the government is taking necessary measures to prevent the disease from spreading. Health officials strongly advised parents to ensure their children receive full vaccination under the routine immunization program and to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms like a severe sore throat, fever, or difficulty breathing.
Surveillance efforts are ongoing in Bali and surrounding communities to monitor the situation and prevent further transmission.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Post Nigeria's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
