Kaduna State Ministry of Health has confirmed cases of diphtheria disease in some communities in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area of the State. The confirmation came after several reports were made about residents in Takau ward, Kafanchan A and Kafanchan B wards exhibiting symptoms listed as difficulty in breathing, high fever, cough, general body weakness, sore throat, and neck swelling.
Upon learning about the unfortunate loss of lives in the affected communities, Governor Uba Sani directed the state Ministry of Health to send an emergency team to investigate the cases. A preliminary report from the Ministry revealed that the outbreak of diphtheria in Kafanchan had its first recorded case at the beginning of July 2023. This was contained in a statement signed by Muhammad Lawal Shehu, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor and made available to newsmen in Kaduna.
Governor Sani, while commending the health officials for their prompt response to the health emergency, urged them to continue to carry out their tasks diligently to ensure that the disease is contained and subsequently eradicated.
“Actions taken by the Ministry so far include the movement of affected cases to adequately equipped hospitals for proper management, active case searches, contact tracing and intensive community sensitization in all affected communities and surrounding areas.”
According to the statement, residents are advised to take steps to prevent the spread of the disease and protect their communities.
