By Our Staff Reporter
The Kano state government has confirmed the outbreak of Diphtheria disease in the state and recorded 100 suspected cases. Out of these, eight cases were confirmed, and three people were confirmed dead from 13 local government areas in the state. The state commissioner for Health Dr Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa stated this during the press conference on Diphtheria and Lassa fever outbreaks in the state.
“As at 20 January 2023 we had 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. Of the 100 suspected cases, eight were confirmed, while we wait for more results. We have lost 3 among 8 confirmed and 22 among other suspected cases,” he said.
According to the commissioner, as soon as the Epidemiology Unit of the ministry was notified by Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital of the suspected cases of diphtheria, the ministry mobilized its team to commence investigation. Dr Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa further disclosed that currently 27 patients were on admission receiving treatment while 41 had been managed successfully and discharged.
He also said on 10 January, the Public Health Emergency Operation Center received a report of suspected cases of Lassa fever from Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital. The team was deployed to investigate the case. Sample was taken for laboratory test and 3 days later the result turned positive for Lassa fever.
“10 samples were taken from the high-risk contacts of the index case, 3 became positive making a total of 4 cases currently managed at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Isolation Center.” Dr. Tsanyawa said.
The commissioner also said Kano state government activated Kwanar Dawaki Isolation Center for isolating the Lassa fever cases, adding that staff of ‘yargaya’ have been trained and transferred to the isolation center where drugs and consumables were propositioned and fully functional.
He pointed out that the state ministry for health through primary health care management board is planning to conduct a routine immunization intensification campaign to reach out to all eligible children in the affected local government areas.
