Diphtheria Outbreak Hits Nasarawa As 15 Children Test Positive
The Nasarawa State Ministry of Health has reported 15 cases of diphtheria, including children between two months and 11 years.
The Director of Public Health, Dr Attah Peter, said the cases have been reported in three local government areas with 11 cases reported in Keffi, one case in Wamba and three cases in Lafia.
The health official said that the majority of the children affected had not been immunised as part of their routine immunisation programme, which means they were susceptible to the highly contagious disease.
Dr Attah advised parents and caregivers to make sure children are immunised, noting that immunisation is free of charge at Primary Healthcare Centres in Nasarawa State.
He reported that vaccines and treatment have been deployed to health facilities to support early detection and treatment, including FMC Keffi and Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lafia.
The ministry said that unlike last year when Nasarawa had diphtheria deaths, none had been reported among the confirmed cases this year, which it said was due to early detection and treatment.
Diphtheria may lead to breathing problems and complications such as heart failure and death. Health authorities are therefore encouraging families to ensure that children are up to date with their immunisations, and to seek medical attention as soon as symptoms are seen.
