Taraba Records First Diphtheria Death as 14 Suspected Cases Test Negative
Mirian Gom 
TARABA, Nigeria – Taraba State has recorded its first confirmed case of diphtheria, with the bacterial infection claiming the life of a patient in Bali Local Government Area.
The State Epidemiologist and Coordinator of Health Security, Dr Udi Aketemo, disclosed this in an interview in Jalingo, the state capital.
Aketemo said the patient died before comprehensive clinical management could be provided to prevent a fatal outcome.
The confirmation has prompted health authorities to strengthen surveillance and response measures, particularly in Bali and neighbouring communities.
Aketemo said health authorities subsequently identified and tested 14 suspected cases following the confirmation of the infection.
All 14 samples returned negative, he said.
The epidemiologist said the state had activated its public health surveillance system to detect and respond to possible additional cases.
The surveillance effort is focused on identifying suspected infections, monitoring high-risk communities and facilitating rapid medical intervention where necessary.
Aketemo said Taraba initially faced difficulties confirming suspected diphtheria cases because of limited access to appropriate diagnostic facilities.
He said the challenge had since been addressed following the deployment of testing kits and specialised laboratory equipment to the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo.
According to him, the new diagnostic capacity will enable health authorities to detect and confirm suspected cases more rapidly.
Diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable bacterial infection that can cause serious illness and death, particularly when diagnosis and treatment are delayed.
Residents have also been advised to seek medical attention promptly if they develop symptoms associated with diphtheria, including severe sore throat, fever and difficulty breathing.
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Oluwatobi Adu 
