The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed 123 cases of diphtheria disease and 38 deaths in four states.
Head of Special Projects and Partnerships Unit at NCDC, Pricilla Ibekwe, disclosed this in Abuja stating the affected state to include Kano, Lagos, Yobe and Osun states, assuring that the NCDC is working with state ministries of health to enhance surveillance and response to the outbreak.
However, The Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, has urged parents to ensure that their children get vaccinated against the infection as the country is still battling Lassa fever, measles, meningitis, and yellow fever.
Meanwhile, three people have been confirmed dead, while 16 are currently hospitalized in a community in Umuahia North local government area of Abia state following cholera outbreak which occurred in the community, President General of the community, Kelechi
Uwaoma, who confirmed this to journalists said two people died in their homes , one died in the community health Centre while those hospitalized are receiving treatment.
He therefore lamented that the cholera outbreak is as a result of suspected contamination of the Ikwu River which is the only source of water in the community while calling on the state government to come to their rescue.