“Diphtheria Outbreak Claims 26 Lives and Affects 180 People in Bauchi”
Bauchi State health authorities have confirm an outbreak of diphtheria that has led to the loss of 26 lives and affected 180 people.
Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, the Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (BASPHCDA), disclosed this during a media engagement session focused on the performance of the 2023 Bauchi State budget.
According to the official statement by the ministry of Health, representing Bauchi state government, out of the 26 lives lost, four have been definitively linked to diphtheria through comprehensive tests, leaving the remaining 22 victims exhibiting symptoms and complications characteristic of the disease.
In response to this alarming situation, a team of healthcare professionals has been mobilized and trained to effectively manage the outbreak. Additionally, a specialized disease surveillance team has been dispatched to proactively locate and identify cases throughout the state, intensifying efforts to curb the outbreak’s spread.
Dr. Mohammed provided a detailed breakdown of the suspected cases, revealing a concerning distribution across multiple local government areas (LGAs). The affected LGAs include Bauchi (07), Dambam (32), Darazo (2), Itas-Gadau (5), Jamaáre (104), Katagum (17), Misau (9), Ganjuwa (1), Giade (1), and Ningi (1). Lab testing confirmed 7 cases (3.9%), while 166 cases exhibited clinical compatibility.
Of particular concern is the disproportionate impact across LGAs, with Jamaáre LGA bearing the brunt of the outbreak at a staggering 57.8% of total cases.
In an urgent response to contain the outbreak, the state authorities have initiated a vaccination campaign in specific LGAs, aiming to arrest the spread of the disease.
The situation remains dire as of August 23, 2023, with a total of 180 suspected cases spanning 10 LGAs and resulting in 26 tragic deaths.
Among these fatalities, four cases have been definitively identified, while the remaining 22 continue to be under investigation.
Collaborative efforts with the World Health Organization (WHO) have led to a vaccination drive targeting individuals aged zero to 14 years old, indicating a united front against this menacing outbreak.