Kano confirms Diphtheria outbreak in 13 LGAs
The Kano state government has confirmed the outbreak of Diphtheria disease in 13 local government areas of the state and has recorded 100 suspected cases out of which 8 was confirmed and three deaths recorded.
The state commissioner for health Dr Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa stated this at a press conference on Diphtheria and Lassa fever outbreaks in the state.
He said Epidemiology unit of the ministry was notified by Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital of the suspected cases of Diphtheria, and the ministry mobilized it’s team to commence investigation.
“As at 20th of January 2023 we have recorded 100 suspected cases from 13 local government areas which are Ungogo, Nassarawa, Bichi, Dala, Dawakin Tofa, Dawakin Kudu, Fagge, Gwale, Kano Municipal, Kumbotso, Rano, and Gwarzo respectively, out Of the 100 suspected cases, 8 were confirmed, while waiting for more results. We have lost 3 lives among 8 confirmed cases”.
Dr Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa further said currently 27 patients were on admission receiving treatment while 41 have been managed and discharged.
The commissioner noted that on the 10th January, the public Health Emergency operation center received a report of suspected case of Lassa fever from Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital, a team was deployed to investigate it.
“10 samples were taken from the high-risk contacts of the index case, 3 become positive making a total of 4 cases currently managed at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital isolation center.” said Dr Tsanyawa.
The commissioner maintained that Kano state government had activated kwanar Dawaki isolation center for isolating Lassa fever cases, adding that staff of ‘yargaya have been trained and transferred to the isolation center where drugs and consumables were propositioned and is fully functional.
He pointed out that state ministry for health through primary health care management board is planning to conduct a Routine immunization intensification campaign to reach out to all illegible children in the affected local government areas from Diphtheria case.
Reporting by Abdullahi Jalaluddeen; Editing by Chinasa Ossai & Julian Osamoto