A patient has died from confirmed diphtheria in Bali Local Government Council of Taraba State, marking the state’s first recorded case of the vaccine-preventable bacterial disease.
The State Epidemiologist, Dr Udi Aketemo, confirmed the development in a telephone interview with DAILY POST on Wednesday in Jalingo, saying the patient died before comprehensive clinical management could be instituted.
“The case was recorded in Bali, and health authorities have intensified surveillance to determine whether there are additional infections and prevent further spread”, Aketemo said.
He explained that Taraba initially faced difficulties in diagnosing suspected diphtheria cases due to inadequate diagnostic facilities.
The challenge, he said, had been addressed following the deployment of testing kits and specialised laboratory equipment to the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo.
“The new diagnostic capacity would enable health authorities to test and confirm suspected cases more rapidly and facilitate timely intervention,” he stated.
Aketemo disclosed that 14 suspected cases were subsequently identified and tested, but all 14 samples returned negative.
He said the Ministry of Health had nevertheless activated its public health surveillance system, with particular attention to Bali and neighbouring communities.
” The surveillance involves tracking suspected cases, monitoring communities considered to be at risk and ensuring prompt medical intervention when necessary,” he explained.
Also speaking on the development, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Buma G. Bordiya, said the ministry, in collaboration with the state government, was taking measures to prevent the disease from spreading to other parts of the state.
Bordiya assured residents that the government was working to contain the situation and prevent an outbreak.
The confirmation of the case places Taraba among Nigerian states responding to diphtheria, which can be prevented through vaccination.
Health officials urged parents and caregivers, particularly those in Bali, to ensure that children are fully vaccinated under the routine immunisation programme.
Residents were also advised to seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms such as severe sore throat, fever or difficulty breathing.
Although the 14 suspected cases tested negative, surveillance is expected to continue in Bali and surrounding communities as authorities monitor the situation and work to prevent further transmission.