2023 Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has expressed his worry following reports of outbreak of diphtheria in Nigeria.
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| According to Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, “Diphtheria is a serious infection caused by strains of bacteria”. Photo: iStock |
Atiku said, the issue has gotten him so “concerned as the media is reporting that the disease has spread to over 105 LGAs across 18 states of the federation, including the FCT, with 7,202 confirmed cases and 453 deaths, mostly of children below the age of 14”.
According to the former Vice President of Nigeria: “The news of the outbreak of Diphtheria, a dangerous bacterial disease in the country, is worrisome. I am concerned that the media is reporting that the disease has spread to over 105 LGAs across 18 states of the federation, including the FCT, with 7,202 confirmed cases and 453 deaths, mostly of children below the age of 14.
“My heart goes out to the families and parents of the victims of this dreaded disease. I urge the Federal and the State Ministries of Health and Social Welfare, the NCDC, the primary healthcare authorities, and all relevant agencies to step up action to curtail the spread of this disease, which is quickly becoming an epidemic.”
According to cdc.gov:
Diphtheria is a serious infection caused by strains of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae that make toxin. It can lead to difficulty breathing, heart rhythm problems, and even death. CDC recommends vaccines for infants, children, teens, and adults to prevent diphtheria.
