The Ministry had earlier briefed the Governor on the recent resurgence of diphtheria in the state, informing the state Governor that a suspected Diphtheria patient aged six-year-old was said to have developed the sign and symptoms on June 25, 2023 and died of the infection on July 7.
According to the Ministry, detailed case investigation, contact tracing, linelisting, follow-up and Active Case Search in the community of the index case and retroactive case search at the Health facilities within the community were ongoing.“Knowledge Attitude and Perception form was administered to the household within the community, so as to access their knowledge about the disease.
:More sensitization was done at both community and the health facilities, as people were not conversant with the disease. “As a follow-up to the Governor’s directive, the Ministry has embarked on a number of action namely production and Distribution of handbills, posters and billboards;.
“The Ministry has further advised members of the public to ensure the children and wards are fully vaccinated, avoid crowded environments, consult doctors in case of symptoms and eat fruits and vegetables,” Rasheed stated.