Diphtheria Outbreak in Nasarawa: 15 Cases Confirmed

Diphtheria has been confirmed in Nasarawa State, with 15 cases reported by Dr. Attah Peter, the Director of Public Health at the Nasarawa State Ministry of Health, during an interview on Tuesday in Lafia. The cases span three local government areas (LGAs) and involve children aged between 2 months and 11 years, with the majority located in Keffi.

Dr. Attah indicated that most affected children were not immunized, attributing the outbreak to caregivers' failure to ensure routine vaccinations. He expressed concern over an 11-year-old contracting diphtheria, emphasizing that vaccination should have occurred years prior.

Unlike the previous year, no fatalities have been reported this year, attributed to early detection and treatment. Vaccines and treatment have been provided to healthcare facilities, and Dr. Attah urged parents to utilize free routine immunization services available at Primary Healthcare Centers.

He also recommended HPV vaccinations for girls aged 9 to 11 years to prevent cervical cancer.