By Gom Mirian
Dr. Abdullahi Karaunmata, an epidemiologist in Kano State Ministry of Health, has blamed the lock down occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic for rising cases of diphteria in the state.
The health expert reported that more than 100 persons were admitted to hospitals for diphtheria in the state, while 2,000 patients who had received treatment and recovered were discharged.
Kano State in northern Nigeria has seen a resurgence of diphtheria cases. Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that mainly affects the nose and throat and can lead to severe complications, including heart and nerve damage.
Karaunmata, in a statement, expressed belief that the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, including the suspension of routine immunisation services and the diversion of resources to the COVID-19 response, contributed to the resurgence of diphtheria.
He added that the outbreak had spread to 31 out of the 44 local government areas,
“The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many aspects of healthcare delivery, including routine immunisation services, which have been suspended or reduced in many areas,” said Dr. Karaunmata, adding, “This has created an environment where vaccine-preventable diseases like diphtheria can thrive.”
The epidemiologist added: “Recently, the NCDC released a list or an update outlining the number of states affected, with the total number of confirmed cases, including the mortality among the children. The report has categorised Kano among the states with the highest number of diphtheria patients.
“Through the epidemiology unit, we have now established contact tracing teams across the high-burden LGAs. The team is actively searching for the children, with symptoms of diphtheria. With this development we have focused our searchlight on all the nooks and crannies of the state, searching for these patients,” he said.
Dr. Karaunmata urged parents to ensure that their children receive all recommended vaccines, including the diphtheria vaccine, as they will protect them from preventable diseases.
