|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, right, at a facility to see some Diptheria victims
By Akanji Alowoludo, Bauchi
Jama’are Local Government Area has the highest number of Diphtheria cases in Bauchi State following series of tests conducted on suspected cases.
The confirmation was made by the Executive Chairman of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (BASPHCDA), Dr Rilwanu Mohammed during a recent Media briefing on a new suspected cases of Diphtheria in Jama’are Local Government Area.
According to him, Katagum Local Government Area with 5 suspected cases is next while Itas/Gadau, Ningi, Dambam, and Bauchi LGs all have 1 suspected case each.
The Executive Chairman informed that few of the tested samples showed that diphtheria is available in the mentioned LGAs assuring however that efforts are on to prevent further spread.
While revealing the status and outcomes of the samples taken so far, Rilwanu Mohammed said that 58 samples were taken to the Lab undergoing investigations to ascertain the status.
He however said that the current challenges being faced is delay in testing collected samples which leads to the inability to understand the true nature of the disease.
He pointed out that surveillance teams have continued to follow up other individuals who have come in contact with all the suspected people after their samples were taken and appropriately being taking care off.
Diphtheria is described as an acute and highly contagious bacterial disease causing inflammation of the mucous membranes, formation of a false membrane in the throat which hinders breathing and swallowing, and potentially fatal heart and nerve damage by a bacterial toxin in the blood.
According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Diphtheria represents a serious infection of the nose and throat that is easily preventable by a vaccine.
It is a sheet of thick, grey matter that covers the back of the throat, making breathing hard.
Diphtheria is spread through bacteria from person to person, usually through respiratory droplets, like from coughing or sneezing. People can also get sick from touching infected open sores or ulcers.
Those at increased risk of getting sick include: People in the same household, people with a history of frequent, close contact with the patient, people directly exposed to secretions from the suspected infection site, for example, mouth or skin of the patient.
