DIPHTHERIA KILLS 26 IN YOBE.(PHOTO).

Diphtheria Kills 26 In Yobe

The outbreak of the disease which became a matter of concern in the last three weeks has affected seven local government areas of the state.

The Yobe State Government has confirmed the death of 26 patients who contracted diphtheria disease in the state.

No fewer than 21 people are still receiving meditation at various isolation facilities.

The Senior Special Assistant to the governor, Lawan Gana, told Channels Television that so far, 289 patients had been discharged across facilities in the state.

“Regarding diphtheria disease, we have 21 active cases, 26 deaths, while 289 have been discharged as of 17th July 2023. We have 336 cumulative numbers from 2022 to 2023,” he said.

The outbreak of the disease which became a matter of concern in the last three weeks has affected seven local government areas of the state.

Doctor Gana further explained prevention and control measures such as advocacies, sensitization and mobilization of communities are ongoing to curtail the spread of the diphtheria outbreak.

“Diphtheria which is currently ravaging the country is now recorded in the state with the highest case recorded in Nguru, Bursari, Potiskum, Tarmuwa, Damaturu, Gulani and Nangere LGAs,” he said.

The government frowned on the outbreak of the disease in zero-dose vaccination households, Gana explained.

However, he said the state Ministry of Health was identifying these households for vaccination of those under two years old.

He also revealed that the government was intensifying the training of clinical staff to effectively manage the cases, especially during the rainy season.

Gana expressed concerns that cases of malaria would complicate the diphtheria outbreak.