By: DAVID MICHAEL, LAFIA
Nasarawa State Ministry of Health has confirmed 15 cases of diphtheria across three local government areas, with Keffi accounting for 11 of the cases.
The Director of Public Health in the ministry, Dr Attah Peter, disclosed this on Wednesday while speaking with journalists in Lafia.
He said the remaining four cases were recorded in Lafia and Wamba, with three in Lafia and one in Wamba.
The affected patients are aged between two months and 11 years.
“At the moment, we have recorded and confirmed cases of 15. The age group ranges between 2 months to 11 years,” Attah said.
He said most of the affected children had not received the recommended immunisations, which left them vulnerable to the disease.
Attah expressed concern that some children were reaching advanced ages without receiving routine vaccinations, stressing that parents and caregivers should ensure that children are presented for immunisation when due.
He said no death had been recorded among the confirmed cases, attributing the outcome to early detection and treatment.
“For all the cases that actually presented themselves in the facility, none we’ve not recorded any death.
“Maybe because of the clinician’s high index of suspicion and then the commencement of treatment early enough,” he said.
The ministry has deployed vaccines and treatment to the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lafia, and other health facilities to manage affected patients and respond to further cases.
Attah urged parents and caregivers to take advantage of free routine immunisation services available at Primary Healthcare Centres across the state.
“The routine immunization is free. It’s just for you to make effort to take this child to where these vaccines are available. They are readily accessible to almost every primary healthcare facility,” he said.
He said children are expected to receive routine vaccines from birth through 18 months, including booster doses, while girls aged nine to 11 years should also receive the HPV vaccine for protection against cervical cancer.
Attah advised residents to seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms associated with diphtheria, including sore throat, fever and a thick grey coating in the throat.(The Nigeria Standard)
