KATSINA CONFIRMS CASES OF DIPHTHERIA, LASSA FEVER AND MENINGITIS

Katsina state primary health care development agency has confirmed cases of diphtheria, Lassa fever and meningitis in thirteen local government areas of the state.

The agency disclosed this during a stakeholders’ engagement aimed at sensitising the public on the dangers, prevention and management of the diseases.

Diphtheria is a severe and highly contagious infection caused by corynebacterium diphtheriae. These bacteria release a toxin that damages the respiratory system and can affect other organs. The illness typically presents with intense throat pain, fever and a thick grey coating in the throat.

It spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing as well as close contact. Treatment involves antitoxins and antibiotics, while vaccination remains the most effective method of prevention.It is safe, effective and usually given as part of routine childhood immunisations, often combined with other vaccines like DTaP or Tdap