By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
The Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State, has recorded four cases of diphtheria within the month, resulting in one death, while three other patients survived and were discharged after receiving treatment.
The hospital’s Deputy Head of Clinical Services, Dr Yunus Mohammed Eze, disclosed this in an interview, expressing concern over the spread of the potentially deadly infectious disease in parts of the country, particularly neighbouring Kano State.
Eze said the four patients were admitted to the hospital’s isolation unit, where they received necessary supportive treatment, adding that the facility had strengthened its surveillance system to prevent further transmission of the disease.
He explained that healthcare workers who attended to the affected patients were being monitored closely to ensure that any emerging symptoms were identified and promptly investigated.
“We have put surveillance measures in place to monitor those who provided care to the four identified cases so that if anyone develops symptoms, they can report early.
“Isolation and contact tracing are also important measures to ensure that the spread of diphtheria is curtailed within the hospital and surrounding communities,” he said.
The doctor urged parents to ensure that their children receive routine vaccinations, describing immunisation as one of the most effective ways of preventing diphtheria and reducing complications associated with the disease.
He advised parents not to dismiss symptoms of illness in their children, urging them to seek prompt medical attention and ensure proper medical evaluation at recognised health facilities.
Eze also warned residents against overcrowded and congested environments, advising them to maintain adequate ventilation in their homes, particularly with the approaching harmattan season.
On the Federal Government’s directive to prepare health facilities against a possible Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak, Eze said FMC Birnin Kudu had strengthened its isolation unit and activated emergency response measures.
He said the hospital received instructions from the Federal Ministry of Health to ensure the availability of protective equipment, medical supplies and other essential facilities required to manage suspected Ebola cases.
According to him, the hospital management immediately swung into action by strengthening its isolation facilities and placing healthcare personnel on alert.
He, however, clarified that no suspected or confirmed case of Ebola had been recorded at the hospital or in Jigawa State.
“The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Health, communicated with health facilities across the country and directed them to prepare their isolation units and ensure that everything required to protect healthcare workers and manage affected patients was available.
“We received the directive, and the management immediately swung into action. Our isolation unit was strengthened, and we are prepared to isolate any suspected case and make referrals where necessary,” he said.
On disease prevention and public awareness, Eze said the hospital had sustained sensitisation campaigns through its Infectious Diseases Unit and Community Medicine Unit.
He added that the hospital was collaborating with the Jigawa State Media Corporation to educate residents on infectious diseases and preventive measures.
He noted that healthcare professionals also regularly educate patients and visitors, who are expected to extend the information to their respective communities.
Eze expressed satisfaction with public response to the awareness campaigns, saying increased understanding of preventable diseases was encouraging community participation in disease prevention.
