Diphtheria: Bauchi state commences vaccination 

The Bauchi State Government says it has commenced vaccination exercise to stem outbreak of Diphtheria as it recorded 180 suspected cases of the disease.

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Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, Execufive Secretary, Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, stated this while reviewing progress of the campaign against the disease, on Thursday in Bauchi.

He said the Agency with support of the World Health Organisation (WHO) would conduct vaccination exercise in five local government areas of the state.

According to him, the vaccination exercise will run from Aug. 24 to Sept. 2, 2023 in Jama’are, Katagum, Gamawa, Itas-Gadu and Zaki LGAs.

“The agency with support of the WHO will carry out reactive vaccination for ages zero to 14 years. Zaki LGA is included because it is a vulnerable area. As at Aug. 23, 2023, a total of 180 suspected cases were reported in 10 LGAs. Twenty six deaths recorded; out of the total deaths, two are from confirmed cases while 22 others from suspected cases,” he said.

According to him, surveillance teams have been deployed for active search for cases across the state, adding that the health personnel were effecfively trained to stem spread of the disease.

Wumi/NAN