In Bauchi, 180 suspected diphtheria cases were reported with 26 deaths.

With 180 suspected cases reported around the state, the Bauchi State Government through the Ministry of Health has confirmed the death of 26 people due to a diphtheria outbreak.

During a USAID-IHP One Day Media Engagement on the 2023 Bauchi State Budget Performance held in Bauchi on Friday, Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (BASPHCDA), provided an update on the diphtheria outbreak report for the state of Bauchi.

Mohammed stated that the findings of the tests performed on the patients revealed that four of the 26 fatalities had diphtheria as the cause, while the remaining 22 had the disease's signs, symptoms, and sequelae.

The chairman stated that the suspected instances were being looked into to determine the confirmed cases, and that a disease monitoring team had been established across the state to actively look for cases. The chairman also stated that health workers had been educated to handle the outbreak.

The following LGAs reported a total of 180 suspected cases: Bauchi (07), Dambam (32), Itas-Gadau (5), Darazo (2), Katagum (17), Misau (9), Ganjuwa (1), Giade (1), and Ningi (1). Seven (3.9%) of the 180 probable instances recorded had lab confirmation, and 166 of them were clinically compatible, the expert said.

"A total of 26 deaths were reported among suspected and confirmed cases (CFR: 14.40%)," Mohammed continued. 180 suspected cases were reported by 10 LGAs, making up the whole Bauchi Srate. Of the cases of diphtheria, 57.8% were located in the Jamaáre LGA.

The suspected/confirmed cases ranged in age from 0 to 55 years, and among the 7 confirmed cases, two deaths were noted (CFR: 28.60%). Twelve (11.5%) of the total cases were reported from Jama'are LGA, where the patients received a partial dose of a diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine.

The chairman announced that in order to control the outbreak, the state had started a vaccination campaign in select local government regions.

"As of August 23, 2023, a total of 180 suspected cases were reported in 10 LGAs, 26 deaths were recorded, and out of the total deaths, four are confirmed cases while 22 others are suspected cases, which is why WHO is supporting the reactive vaccination for children aged zero to 14 years," he continued.