Diphtheria disease outbreak confirmed in Kafanchan, Kaduna

The Kaduna State Ministry of Health has confirmed an outbreak of diphtheria disease in some communities within the Jema’a Local Government Area, specifically in Kafanchan. Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects the respiratory tract and presents symptoms such as sore throat, fever, and a white layer on the throat.

The disease is transmitted through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing and through direct contact with respiratory fluids. Unfortunately, diphtheria carries a high fatality rate, particularly in children under five, with up to 20% of cases resulting in death.

Earlier, report has it that the outbreak of a mysterious disease in parts of Kafanchan, which led to the hospitalization of about ten children between the ages of three and ten years.

Responding to the situation, Governor Uba Sani directed the Kaduna State Ministry of Health to dispatch an emergency team to investigate the outbreak. According to the preliminary report from the Ministry, the disease was first recorded in Kafanchan at the beginning of July.

In response to the outbreak, affected cases have been moved to well-equipped hospitals for proper management, and the Ministry is conducting active case searches, contact tracing, and intensive community sensitization in the affected communities and surrounding areas.

Governor Sani commended the health officials for their prompt response and urged them to continue their diligent efforts in containing and eradicating the disease. In light of the situation, residents of Kaduna are advised to maintain personal hygiene and ensure a clean environment to prevent the spread of the disease.