Diphtheria outbreak hits Niger State, claims 10 lives

No fewer than 10 children have died following an outbreak of diphtheria in Niger State, affecting communities in Agaie and Bida Local Government Areas.

The victims were reportedly rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Bida, but succumbed to the illness amid shortages of essential drugs required for treatment.

Confirming the outbreak on Tuesday, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tertiary Health Care, Dr. Mohammed Gana, acknowledged the situation but did not provide specific casualty figures.

“Yes, there is an outbreak of diphtheria in these local government areas and we are doing everything possible to bring the spread under control,” Gana said.

He attributed the high number of deaths partly to vaccine hesitancy among parents in the affected communities.

“The high death toll was as a result of some parents refusing to submit their children for vaccination in the affected areas. However, we are grateful to our partners for providing medicaments to support the state’s response,” he added.

Gana further assured that the situation had been contained, with measures in place to prevent further fatalities.