…record 34 deaths, 8 confirmed cases
Bauchi State Government has recorded 296 suspected cases of diphtheria with eight confirmed cases and 34 deaths across 10 local government area councils in the state.
The local governments being affected are Bauchi, Jama’are, Toro, Warji, Azare, Kirfi, Darazo, Dambam, Giade and Itas Gadau respectively.
This was disclosed by the Executive Chairman of Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (BSPHDA), Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, in an exclusive interview at the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC). He noted that a new case has recently been identified at Bauchi and Warji local government in the state.
According to Mohammed, so far the state has recorded a total number of 296 suspected cases of daptheria with 8 confirmed cases and three deaths in the 20 LGAs.
Mohammed gave the breakdown as Jama’are LGA which has the highest number of 108 suspected cases 3 confirmed and 10 deaths, Giade 47 suspected cases and 2 deaths, Dambam 37 suspected cases and 1 death, Bauchi 32 suspected and 8 deaths, Ganjuwa 19 suspected cases and No death, Darazo 19 suspected cases and 1 confirm case, Itas Dadau 5 suspected cases and 1 death, Toro 4 and Shira 1 and No deaths recorded respectively.
He further explained that the escalation of the disease was due to the failure of some parents to vaccinate their child since at the right time which is causing the increased rate of diphtheria in the state.
Mohammed disclosed that the State Government has constructed a centre to manage the patients at Jama’are, and staff were been trained to offer services, adding that the government ordered the closure of all schools both public and private with a view to controlling and mitigating its spread.
He further disclosed that the state governor has directed the Agency to cover all the remaining 10 LGA on its new campaign during its community’s outreach with medical support.
The EC, however, called on the general public to ensure they report any signs, or symptoms discovered in their body for check up at the facility closest to them.
He said the signs and symptoms include a feeling of discomfort or illness, difficulty swallowing, fever, sore throat, cough, and wheezing which may cause respiratory failure among others.
