38 deaths of 123 diphtheria cases recorded in Nigeria, says NCDC
Written by City Radio on January 24, 2023
NO fewer than 38 persons have died out of the 123 diphtheria cases recorded in Nigeria so far, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, has said.
The states currently facing the disease caused by serious infection of the nose and throat that is easily preventable by vaccine,are Kano, Lagos, Yobe and Osun, respectively.
The nation’s disease control and prevention agency,which disclosed this at a ministerial press briefing, organised by the Federal Ministry of Health,said more cases of the disease were being expected in days ahead,as it spreads to other places.
Speaking through its Director of Special Duties, Dr Prescilia Ibekwe,the NCDC said: “As of January 22, NCDC have 123 confirmed cases and 38 deaths. 100 cases are from Kano, with 32 deaths. In Lagos there are five cases with three deaths. In Yobe there 17 confirmed cases and three deaths and Osun has recorded one case with no death”
According to Ibekwe, besides clinically suspected cases, there have been laboratory-confirmed cases.
Dr Ibekwe said the agency was working with state ministries of health and partners to enhance surveillance and response to the outbreak.
CityRadio 89.7FM