Bauchi begins vaccination as 10 LGAs record 180 suspected cases of diphtheria

The Bauchi government says it has commenced a vaccination exercise to curb the outbreak of diphtheria in the state.

Rilwanu Mohammed, executive secretary of the Bauchi state Primary Healthcare Development Agency, spoke on Thursday while reviewing the progress of the campaign against the spread of the disease in the state.

He said the agency with the support of the World Health Organisation (WHO) would conduct vaccination exercises in five LGAs of the state.

He added that the vaccination exercise will run from August 24 to September 2 in Jama’are, Katagum, Gamawa, Itas-Gadu and Zaki LGAs.

“The agency with the 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,” NAN quoted him as saying.

“As of August 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.”

The executive secretary also said surveillance teams have been deployed for the active search of cases across the state, adding that the health personnel were effectively trained to stem the spread of the disease.

Diphtheria is a bacterial infection caused by the corynebacterium species that affects the nose, throat, and sometimes, the skin of an individual.

Some symptoms of the disease include fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, red eyes, neck swelling, and difficulty in breathing.

To curtail the infection, the Nigerian childhood immunisation schedule recommends three doses of pentavalent vaccine (diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine) for children in the 6th, 10th and 14th week of life.