Diphtheria Outbreak in Bauchi: Death Toll Climbs to 26
The death toll resulting from the Diphtheria disease outbreak in Bauchi has surged to 26, accompanied by the registration of 180 suspected cases throughout the state. It has been reported that five students lost their lives to suspected diphtheria in the Jamaare local government area during July.
Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, the Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (BSPHCDA), conveyed this information on Friday. He shared the update regarding the diphtheria outbreak in the state during a USAID-IHP One Day Media Engagement event focused on the 2023 Bauchi State budget performance, which was conducted in Bauchi.
Among the recorded fatalities, four have been officially identified as confirmed diphtheria cases. The remaining 22 fatalities exhibited indications, symptoms, and complications associated with diphtheria, as per the outcomes of conducted tests.
Rilwanu expounded that an ongoing inquiry is being conducted to confirm the identity of the suspected cases.
He stated, "A total of 180 suspected cases have been reported across various LGAs: Bauchi (7), Dambam (32), Darazo (2), Itas-Gadau (5), Jamaáre (104), Katagum (17), Misau (9), Ganjuwa (1), Giade (1), and Ningi (1). Of these 180 suspected cases, 7 (3.9%) have been confirmed via laboratory tests, while 166 cases exhibit clinical compatibility."
"In total, there were 26 reported deaths encompassing both suspected and confirmed cases, resulting in a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 14.40%. Among the affected local government areas (LGAs), 10 reported at least one case, culminating in a collective count of 180 suspected cases across Bauchi State. Notably, the Jamaáre LGA contributed to the majority, accounting for 57.8% of the total diphtheria instances.
The chairman extended his explanation, mentioning that the state has initiated a vaccination campaign within specific local government areas as a measure to curb the outbreak."
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