FCTA Responds to Diphtheria Outbreak in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) announced the deployment of a multidisciplinary Incident Management Team to Karshi and surrounding areas to address a diphtheria outbreak that has led to two deaths and five confirmed cases. Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environmental Secretariat, revealed that 15 suspected cases had been investigated, with five confirmed through laboratory tests.

Fasawe warned against self-medication and highlighted a tragic incident where a child bled to death due to improper treatment of the infection. The FCTA is enhancing community engagement in local languages to promote early detection and treatment.

Ismaila Mohammed, Chief of Karshi, clarified that the deaths occurred in a neighboring settlement in Nasarawa State and expressed support from local leaders for government health initiatives. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) are providing technical support to strengthen outbreak response and emphasize the importance of routine childhood immunization.