Taraba Records First Confirmed Diphtheria Death in Bali

By Godwin Agia, Taraba

Taraba State has recorded its first confirmed case of diphtheria, resulting in the death of a patient in Bali Local Government Area.

The State Epidemiologist, Dr Udi Aketemo, confirmed the development in a telephone interview with Peoples Daily on Wednesday, saying the patient died before comprehensive clinical management could be initiated.

Aketemo said the state initially faced challenges in diagnosing suspected cases due to inadequate testing facilities. He, however, said the situation had improved following the deployment of testing kits and specialised laboratory equipment to the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo.

“The case was recorded in Bali, and health authorities have intensified surveillance to determine whether there are additional infections and prevent further spread.

“The new diagnostic capacity will enable us to test and confirm suspected cases more rapidly and facilitate timely intervention,” he said.

According to Aketemo, health authorities subsequently identified and tested 14 suspected cases, all of which returned negative results.

He said the Taraba State Ministry of Health had activated its public health surveillance system, with particular attention focused on Bali and neighbouring communities.

“The surveillance involves tracking suspected cases, monitoring communities considered to be at risk and ensuring prompt medical intervention when necessary,” he explained.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Bordiya Buma, also said the ministry, in collaboration with the state government, had intensified measures to prevent the disease from spreading to other parts of Taraba.

Buma assured residents that the government was working to contain the situation and prevent a wider outbreak.

Health officials urged parents and caregivers, particularly in Bali and surrounding communities, to ensure that their children are fully vaccinated under the routine immunisation programme.

Residents were also advised to seek prompt medical attention if they develop symptoms associated with diphtheria, including severe sore throat, fever and difficulty breathing.

Peoples Daily reports that diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable bacterial disease that can cause serious complications if not promptly diagnosed and treated.

Health authorities said surveillance would continue in Bali and surrounding communities as part of efforts to detect suspected cases early and prevent further transmission.