NCDC: 38 diphtheria deaths recorded from 123 confirmed cases

• Published date: 24 January 2023
• Publication title: Nigeria - The Nation

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has said deaths from diphtheria has risen to 38.

The agency said Kano State recorded 32 deaths; Yobe, 17 cases and three deaths, Lagos; five cases and three deaths, and Osun, one, with no death.

It said it expects more cases due to the sub-optimal vaccination coverage.

While encouraging parents to ensure their children are vaccinated with three doses of pentavalent vaccine, NCDC urged healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion for diphtheria.

Director General, Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, spoke at a briefing organised by Federal Ministry of Health in Abuja.

Adetifa, represented by Dr. Priscilla Ibekwe, director of Special Duties and Partnership, stressed that individuals with signs and symptoms should isolate themselves and notify LGA, DSNO or NCDC through (6232).

He said: 'Late last year, we got to know about diphtheria and a response team was deployed. In terms of numbers, as at January 22, we have 123 confirmed cases, unfortunately, 38 deaths. One hundred from Kano, with 32 deaths. Lagos, five with three deaths; Yobe, 17, three deaths, and one from...