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By Omeiza Ajayi, ABUJA
Diphtheria has killed two patients in Abuja out of five laboratory-confirmed cases, prompting the Federal Capital Territory Administration FCTA to move swiftly to calm public anxiety over the outbreak.
Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environmental Secretariat, FCTA, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, disclosed this during a community sensitization and advocacy event on the disease held in Karshi, explaining that the administration had investigated 15 suspected cases as of last week. Of that number, five were confirmed through laboratory testing, resulting in the two fatalities, while several other patients have since been successfully treated and discharged.
She explained that diphtheria is a severe bacterial infection affecting the nose, throat, and occasionally the skin, with early symptoms including fever, cough, and catarrh, which can progress to neck swelling and severe breathing difficulties.
