{
  "id": 12549051,
  "title": "Diphtheria claims 2 lives as 5 hospitalised in FCT",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/diphtheria-claims-2-lives-as-5-hospitalised-in-fct",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-07T04:30:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Trust",
    "slug": "daily-trust",
    "url": "https://dailytrust.com/diphtheria-claims-2-lives-as-5-hospitalised-in-fct/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Two individuals reportedly succumbed to diphtheria while five others are currently receiving treatment in Zuba, Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Gwagwalada Area Council Chairman, Hon. Kasim Mohammed Ikwa, disclosed this during a visit to the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), where the patients are being treated. Two of the patients in treatment were from Zuba, while the remaining three hailed from Dagiri within the council. Concerned by the reported cases, Ikwa toured the treatment centre and directed the council's health department to launch immediate awareness campaigns in rural communities to prevent further spread of the disease. He also ordered a vehicle for emergency response and funds to support disease-control measures. Asserting his administration's commitment to public health, Ikwa pledged continued support to health authorities in containing the disease. UATH's CMD, Prof. Tahir, assured Ikwa that there was no need for panic, explaining that diphtheria is not unique to the FCT. However, Tahir emphasized the importance of vigilance and adherence to public health measures, stating that the hospital has the capacity to manage the disease. Tahir praised Ikwa's prompt action and requested the establishment of a separate ward to reduce congestion in existing hospital wards and enhance patient care.",
  "summary": "Two people have reportedly died while five others are receiving treatment following suspected cases of diphtheria in Zuba, Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Hon. Kasim Mohammed Ikwa, disclosed this when he paid a courtesy visit to the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "AllAfrica Health",
        "title": "Nigeria: Diphtheria Claims 2 Lives As 5 Hospitalised in FCT",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/nigeria-diphtheria-claims-2-lives-as-5-hospitalised-in-fct",
        "published": "2026-10-07T06:23:33.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}