Health authorities in Zamfara State are stepping up efforts to contain a diphtheria outbreak that has so far claimed 39 lives, with 261 suspected cases reported across 10 Local Government Areas.
The development has prompted the state government to activate a rapid response team to identify new cases, provide emergency treatment and prevent further spread of the disease.
This was disclosed during a rapid response team meeting convened by the Zamfara State Ministry of Health following the outbreak.
The figures paint a worrying picture.
Laboratory tests have confirmed cases, while health officials continue surveillance and testing to establish the full extent of the outbreak.
The rapid response team, made up of health officials and partner organisations, is working to detect new cases early and provide immediate medical intervention.
Among the affected Local Government Areas, Gusau has recorded the highest number of reported cases, with 191 cases.
At the WCWC Primary Healthcare Centre in Kwata, Gusau, the response team encountered patients receiving care, many of them children.
Health workers say some of the affected children are between six and ten months old, while concerns over missed vaccinations and immunisation hesitancy are being identified as major factors contributing to the spread.
From the primary healthcare centre, the team proceeded to the Infectious Disease Centre in Damba, Gusau Local Government Area, where other patients are receiving treatment.
The Permanent Secretary of the Zamfara State Ministry of Health, Rilwan Musa, says rapid response teams were immediately mobilised across the state following the outbreak.
He says the response is receiving full support from the state government under Governor Dauda Lawal, alongside other development and health partners.
Health authorities are particularly concerned about the spread of the disease among children, following reports of a child who fell ill in a school and was later confirmed to have diphtheria.
With the death toll now standing at 39, health officials are urging parents and caregivers to take routine immunisation seriously and seek immediate medical attention when children develop symptoms associated with the disease.
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(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
