Uba Sani orders emergency action to curb diphtheria spread in Kaduna

Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna, has ordered emergency action in order to curb the spread of diphtheria in the state.

TheCable reported that five children died of a “strange disease” in Kafanchan, Jama’a LGA of the state.

Mohammed Shehu, chief press secretary to the governor, said the death toll from diphtheria disease in the state is six.

Shehu said the disease began to spread two weeks ago when some residents started showing symptoms like difficulty in breathing, swelling of the neck, cough, general body weakness, sore throat and fever.

He added that the index case was a four-year-old boy who died after 48 hours.

He said five out of 17 newly recorded cases died within Takau, Kafanchan A and Kafanchan B wards of Jema’a LGA.

Shehu further said twelve persons were hospitalised and are receiving treatment.

The governor has directed the state ministry of health to send an emergency team to investigate the cases and ensure the movement of affected cases to adequately equipped hospitals for proper management.

Sani has also ordered that active contact tracing and intensive community sensitisation in all affected communities and surrounding areas, be carried out.

The Kaduna governor commended health officials for their prompt response and urged them to continue to carry out their tasks in order to ensure that the disease is contained and eradicated.

The Kaduna government also called on residents to be cautious in order to prevent further spread of the disease and protect their communities.

Residents have been asked to ensure regular washing of hands with soap and water, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and covering their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing.