One person has died while three other patients have recovered after contracting diphtheria at the Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kudu, in Jigawa State. The facility treated four cases within the month, according to Punch.
The Deputy Head of Clinical Services at the hospital, Dr Yunus Mohammed Eze, confirmed the figures while briefing reporters on Friday. He explained that all four patients were taken into the isolation unit for supportive care, where three eventually responded to treatment and were discharged, but one person passed away.
Medical staff who managed the patients have now been placed under close observation to catch any early symptoms. Dr Eze noted that contact tracing and isolation remain critical tools to stop the infection from spreading across neighbouring communities and inside the hospital environment.
With health facilities across Nigeria watching an increase in cases, particularly in nearby Kano State, the doctor called on parents to keep up with routine childhood immunisations. He warned families against ignoring early signs of sickness and urged them to visit certified medical centres quickly.
Residents were also advised to avoid congested living spaces and maintain proper airflow in their homes as the harmattan season approaches.
Beyond managing diphtheria, the hospital has intensified readiness measures following instructions from the Federal Ministry of Health regarding potential Ebola threats. Dr Eze clarified that Jigawa State has not recorded any suspected or confirmed Ebola cases, but the centre has stocked necessary protective supplies and readied emergency teams.
Public enlightenment efforts are currently ongoing, with the hospital working alongside the Jigawa State Media Corporation to broadcast preventive health guidance to the public.
