Niger Records 124 Diphtheria Cases, 17 Deaths

Niger State has recorded 124 diphtheria cases and 17 deaths in the last seven months, according to the state government.

Health Commissioner Murtala Bagana said the cases were recorded in Bida, Suleja and Shiroro local government areas. He said 103 patients had been treated and discharged, while one patient remained on admission after three new cases were identified.

The update was given during a press briefing in Minna. The state said it had stepped up surveillance, case management, immunisation and public awareness to contain the outbreak.

Director of Disease Control and Immunisation Samuel Jiya linked the outbreak to poor vaccination coverage. He said investigations showed that some affected children had received only one dose of the pentavalent vaccine, while others had not been vaccinated.

Health officials urged parents and guardians to ensure children complete routine immunisation, especially in communities where vaccine coverage has remained weak.

Sources: Premium Times, Daily Post