26 killed as suspected Diphtheria cases hit 180 in Bauchi

Bauchi State Government through the Ministry of Health has confirmed the death of 26 persons from diphtheria outbreak with 180 suspected cases recorded across the state.

The Executive Chairman of Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (BASPHCDA), Dr Rilwanu Mohammed disclosed this Friday while giving an update on the Bauchi State diphtheria outbreak report during a USAID-IHP One Day Media Engagement on the 2023 Bauchi State budget performance held in Bauchi.

Mohammed explained that four out of the 26 deaths were confirmed diphtheria and the remaining 22 present sign or symptoms and complications of diphtheria following the outcome of results of tests conducted on the patients.

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The chairman said that the suspected cases were being investigated to ascertain the confirmed cases, adding that health personnel had been trained to handle the outbreak and disease surveillance team deployed for active case search across the state.

“A total of 180 suspected cases were reported from Bauchi (07), Dambam (32), Darazo(2) Itas-Gadau (5), Jamaáre (104), Katagum (17), Misau (9), Ganjuwa(1), Giade (1) and Ningi (1) LGAs. Of the 180 suspected cases reported, 7 (3.9%) were lab confirmed and 166 were clinically compatible,” he said.

Mohammed added, “A total of 26 deaths were recorded among suspected, confirmed cases (CFR- 14.40%). 10 LGAs reported at least a case, totalling 180 suspected cases in Bauchi Srate. Jamaáre LGA accounted for 57.8% of the diphtheria cases.

“The ages of the suspected/ confirmed cases were 0–55 years while two deaths were recorded among the 7 confirmed cases (CFR: 28.60%), 12 (11.5%) of the total cases reported from Jama’are LGA where they were partially vaccinated with a diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine.”

The chairman noted that the state had commenced a vaccination exercise in some local government areas in order to contain the outbreak.

“As at August 23, 2023, a total of 180 suspected cases were reported in 10 LGAs, 26 deaths recorded, 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 aged zero to 14 years,” he added.

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