The Bauchi State government has recorded Jama’are Local Government Area for currently having the highest number of the suspected cases of Diphtheria in the state, this followed the series of tests conducted on suspected cases.
This was confirmed by the Executive Chairman of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (BASPHCDA), Dr Rilwanu Mohammed during a Media briefing on new suspected cases of Diphtheria in Jama’are LGA of the state.
According to him, Katagum LGA having 5 suspected cases is second to Jama’are while Itas/Gadau, Ningi, Dambam, and Bauchi LGAs each having one suspected cases.
The chairman informed that few of the tested samples showed that diphtheria is available in the aforementioned LGAs assuring that efforts have been making 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 undergoing investigations to ascertain the status.
He however said that the current challenges being faced is delay in testing collected samples which leads to the inability to understand the true nature of the disease.
He pointed out that surveillance teams have continued to follow up other individuals who have come in contact with all the suspected victims after their samples were taken and appropriately being taken care of.
Diphtheria is described as an acute and highly contagious bacterial disease causing inflammation of the mucous membranes, 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 Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Diphtheria disease 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.
The Diphtheria disease is spread through bacteria from person to person, usually through respiratory droplets, like from coughing or sneezing. People can also get sick from touching infected open sores or ulcers.
Those at increased risk of getting sick include: People in the same household, People with a history of frequent, close contact with the patient, People directly exposed to secretions from the suspected infection.
