The Ministry of Health in Bauchi State has officially verified the passing of 26 individuals due to a diphtheria outbreak. A total of 180 potential cases have been documented throughout the state.
Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, the Executive Chairman of Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (BASPHCDA), shared this information during a USAID-IHP One Day Media Engagement focused on the performance of the 2023 Bauchi State budget.
Out of the reported deaths, four have been confirmed as diphtheria-related, while the remaining 22 exhibit symptoms and complications associated with the disease, based on test outcomes.
The affected cases are under investigation to determine confirmation, and health professionals have been trained to manage the outbreak, with disease surveillance teams actively seeking cases across the state.
“A total of 180 suspected cases were reported from Bauchi (07), Dambam (32), Darazo(2) Itas-Gadau (5), Jamaáre (104), Katagum (17), Misau (9), Ganjuwa(1), Giade (1) and Ningi (1) LGAs. Of the 180 suspected cases reported, 7 (3.9%) were lab confirmed and 166 were clinically compatible,” he said.
Mohammed added, “A total of 26 deaths were recorded among suspected, confirmed cases (CFR- 14.40%). 10 LGAs reported at least a case, totalling 180 suspected cases in Bauchi State. Jamaáre LGA accounted for 57.8% of the diphtheria cases.
“The ages of the suspected/ confirmed cases were 0–55 years while two deaths were recorded among the 7 confirmed cases (CFR: 28.60%), 12 (11.5%) of the total cases reported from Jama’are LGA where they were partially vaccinated with a diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine.”
The chairman noted that the state had commenced a vaccination exercise in some local government areas in order to contain the outbreak.
“As at August 23, 2023, a total of 180 suspected cases were reported in 10 LGAs, 26 deaths recorded, out of the total deaths, four are confirmed cases while 22 others are suspected cases which is why WHO is supporting the reactive vaccination for aged zero to 14 years,” he added.
