The State Epidemiologist, Dr Udi Aketemo, confirmed the event in a phone interview with DAILY POST on Wednesday in Jalingo, saying the affected person died earlier than complete medical administration might 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 stated.
The problem, he stated, had been addressed following the deployment of testing kits and specialised laboratory gear 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 said.
Aketemo disclosed that 14 suspected instances have been subsequently recognized and examined, however all 14 samples returned unfavorable.
He stated the Ministry of Health had nonetheless activated its public well being surveillance system, with specific consideration to Bali and neighbouring communities.
” The surveillance entails monitoring suspected instances, monitoring communities thought-about to be in danger and making certain immediate medical intervention when essential,” he defined.
Also talking on the event, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Buma G. Bordiya, stated the ministry, in collaboration with the state authorities, was taking measures to forestall the illness from spreading to different elements of the state.
Bordiya assured residents that the federal government was working to include the scenario and forestall an outbreak.
The affirmation of the case locations Taraba amongst Nigerian states responding to diphtheria, which may be prevented by way of vaccination.
Health officers urged mother and father and caregivers, notably these in Bali, to make sure that youngsters are absolutely vaccinated below the routine immunisation programme.
Residents have been additionally suggested to hunt instant medical consideration in the event that they develop signs resembling extreme sore throat, fever or problem respiratory.
Although the 14 suspected instances examined unfavorable, surveillance is anticipated to proceed in Bali and surrounding communities as authorities monitor the scenario and work to forestall additional transmission.
