The Jigawa State Ministry of Health has reported a diphtheria epidemic in the state, with no less than 91 suspected cases and 10 fatalities.
In an interview with reporters in Dutse on Friday, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Salisu Mu’azu, disclosed this.
In addition to the extra samples that had been submitted to Abuja for analysis, he said that two confirmed instances had been located in the local government areas of Kazaure and Jahun.
The Permanent Secretary stated:
“The outbreak appears to have struck hardest in areas where routine immunization coverage was lacking.”
Furthermore, he emphasised that the state government has taken initiative to address the problem, particularly in light of reports of outbreaks of diphtheria in nearby states like Kano and Yobe.
Mu’azu emphasised that the Ministry had meticulously gathered crucial information and statistics from the affected areas and had swiftly notified the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency and the National Disease Control for a coordinated response.
“The state government is now actively preparing to administer vaccines once they become available,” he stated.
cc: Punch Ng
