The Kano State government has established three treatment centres to curb the spread diphtheria which has left over 130 people hospitalised.
Diphtheria is a serious infection of the nose and throat that’s easily preventable by a vaccine. A sheet of thick, grey matter covers the back of the throat, making breathing hard.
Symptoms include sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes and weakness.
Diphtheria can easily be contracted through airborne respiratory droplets — coughs or sneezes, saliva — kissing or shared drinks.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Yusuf, revealed on Thursday that the state had deployed the necessary mechanisms to curtail the spread of the disease.
His words: “Governor Abba Yusuf has since directed the ministry to swing into action to curtail the spread of the deadly disease. Three designated centres have been provided for treatment and admission.
“The general public should not hesitate to seek medical assistance whenever they experience any of the symptoms listed by the Nigeria Centre for Disease and Control.”
Yususf disclosed that over 130 persons were admitted last Monday alone as the case continued to rise.
Giving an update on the outbreak of the diseases, he lamented that a state such as Kano should not be battling such an outbreak, but for the failure of the previous administration to immunise the people.