Kaduna State Government has reported a concerning outbreak of diphtheria, with 68 suspected cases and eight fatalities recorded so far. Diphtheria is a severe bacterial infection that commonly affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. The Director of Public Health at the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Hamza Ibrahim-Ikara, revealed this alarming information during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria.
The suspected cases have emerged from four local government areas in the state, namely Makarfi, Kubau, Jema’a (Kafanchan), and Kaduna North. Five of the reported deaths occurred in Jema’a, while three were from Makarfi. The health authorities have taken 28 samples to the laboratory for testing, and until the results confirm the presence of diphtheria, all cases remain classified as suspected.
Kaduna State is emphasizing routine immunization to ensure all children receive full protection against the disease. Residents are urged to promptly report any suspected cases to the nearest health facilities across the state to enable timely interventions and prevent the spread of the infection.