The Zamfara State Ministry of Health has confirmed 367 cases of diphtheria in the state, with more than 320 patients reportedly treated and discharged.
The Director of Public Health in the ministry, Dr Yusuf Haske, disclosed the figures in Gusau while giving an update on the state’s response to the outbreak.
Haske explained that laboratory analysis of samples obtained from suspected patients confirmed the presence of the organism responsible for diphtheria. Additional samples were also forwarded to the National Reference Centre in Abuja for further confirmation.
Following the confirmation of the outbreak, the state government, under the direction of Governor Dauda Lawal, activated its Incident Management System to coordinate the response.
The health authorities also deployed rapid response teams across the state and strengthened case-management activities in all 14 local government areas.
According to Haske, general hospitals across Zamfara have isolation facilities for diphtheria patients. Gusau Local Government Area, which has recorded the highest number of cases, currently has about four treatment centres.
He said more than 320 patients had completed treatment and were discharged, with those requiring further medication receiving oral drugs to continue their recovery at home.
Despite the treatment efforts, the state has recorded 44 deaths linked to the outbreak. Haske attributed the continued transmission partly to active community spread.
Children between six and 10 years old have been among the groups most affected by the disease. The situation prompted the Ministry of Health to advise the Ministry of Education on steps that could help limit transmission in schools.
The health concerns also contributed to the decision to postpone the resumption of schools in Zamfara by two weeks. The additional period is intended to give health officials more time to intensify surveillance, case management, community mobilisation, health education and other preventive measures.
Haske urged residents to remain alert to symptoms associated with diphtheria and seek medical attention without delay whenever they suspect infection.
He added that disease notification officers stationed across the 14 local government areas were actively searching for suspected cases to ensure that affected persons receive prompt attention.
The Director further appealed to residents to cooperate with health officials, report suspected infections through the designated channels and take advantage of available healthcare services as authorities work to contain the outbreak.
