Jama’are LGA in Bauchi State has been confirmed to have the highest number of diphtheria cases in the state following series of tests conducted on suspected cases.
The confirmation was made by the Executive Chairman of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (BASPHCDA), Dr Rilwanu Mohammed told Newspot during a recent Media briefing on a new suspected cases of Diphtheria in Jama’are Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
He further said that Katagum LGA with 5 suspected cases is next, while Itas/Gadau, Ningi, Dambam, and Bauchi LGAs all have 1 suspected case each.
He informed that few of the tested samples showed that diphtheria is available in the mentioned LGAs, assuring, however,, that efforts were on to prevent further spread.
While revealing the status and outcomes of the samples taken so far, Rilwanu Mohammed said that 58 samples were taken to the lab and are undergoing investigations to ascertain their status.
He pointed out that surveillance teams have continued to follow up with other individuals who have come in contact with all the suspected people after their samples were taken and appropriately taken care of.
Diphtheria is described as an acute and highly contagious bacterial disease causing inflammation of the mucous membranes, the formation of a false membrane in the throat, which hinders breathing and swallowing, and potentially fatal heart and nerve damage by a bacterial toxin in the blood.
According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, diphtheria represents a serious infection of the nose and throat that is easily preventable by a vaccine.
“It is a sheet of thick, grey matter that covers the back of the throat, making breathing hard.”
Newspot also gathered that Those at increased risk of getting sick include: people in the same household, people with a history of frequent, close contact with the patient, and people directly exposed to secretions from the suspected infection site (e.g., mouth, skin) of the patient.
Share your story or advertise with us: Whatsapp: +2347068606071 Email: info@newspotng.com
