Diphtheria: Three children dead, seven hospitalised in Kaduna LGA

Three children have died from diphtheria in Makarfi LGA of Kaduna state.

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

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

Speaking with NAN, Aliyu Alassan, health secretary of Makarfi LGA, said seven other children have been hospitalised.

Alassan said the suspected cases occurred at Tashar Na Kawu, Gubuchi ward of the local government.

He said most of the affected victims were children, adding that the specimen of the victims have been forwarded to Abuja for analysis.

“Those suspected with the disease have been taken to the hospital and isolated for medical observation,” he said.

“While contact tracing is going on to prevent further spread of the disease.”

TheCable had earlier reported that five children died after suffering from an unascertained illness in Kafanchan, the headquarters of Jama’a LGA.

The affected children were said to have experienced pains around their necks and loss of appetite.

Following the development, Uba Sani, the governor, ordered emergency action to curb the spread of diphtheria in the state.