Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mariam Ileyemi
Published on 2024-03-22 11:49:03
A recent outbreak of diphtheria has tragically claimed the lives of four children in the villages of Mingibir Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria. Reports indicate that 28 other individuals have been hospitalized as a result of the disease, according to a statement released by the Information Officer of the local government, Tasiu Dadin-Duniya.
The affected children were reported to have contracted the disease in Kwarkiya, Kuru, Kunya, and Minjibir Villages within the Minjibir Local Government Area. Kano State has seen a high prevalence of diphtheria cases, leading in the disease charts as per data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
From week 19 of 2022 to week 11 of 2024, Kano, Yobe, Bauchi, Katsina, and Borno accounted for 98.9% of the 16,518 confirmed cases of diphtheria across 160 Local Government Areas in 22 states. Unfortunately, this outbreak has resulted in the loss of 839 lives, with a case fatality rate of 5.0%.
Muhammad Kunya, the Interim Management Officer of the affected local government in Kano, has urged authorities and stakeholders to promptly intervene to safeguard the health of the communities. The district head of the local government has also called upon traditional rulers and Islamic scholars to educate the community on preventive measures and offer prayers for relief.
According to the Public Relations Officer of the State Ministry of Health, Ibrahim Abdullahi, the report of the outbreak has been escalated to the State Director of Public Health for further assessment and confirmation.
Diphtheria is a severe bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium species affecting the nose, throat, and sometimes the skin. People at highest risk of contracting diphtheria include unvaccinated children and adults, individuals residing in crowded or unsanitary environments, and healthcare workers exposed to infected cases. The disease spreads through direct contact with infected individuals, respiratory droplets, and contaminated objects.
Symptoms of diphtheria may include fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, red eyes, and neck swelling. In severe cases, a gray or white patch can develop on the tonsils or back of the throat, leading to breathing difficulties.
Efforts are being made by local authorities and health officials to contain the outbreak and prevent further casualties. It is crucial for the public to stay informed, follow preventive measures, and seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms related to diphtheria. The collective response from the community and healthcare system is essential in tackling such public health crises effectively.
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