One person has died while three others have recovered after the Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State, recorded four cases of diphtheria this month.

The development comes amid rising cases of diphtheria across the country, particularly in neighbouring Kano State.

The Deputy Head of Clinical Services at the Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kudu, Dr Yunus Mohammed Eze, disclosed this while speaking with journalists in his office on Friday.

He said the Federal Government’s directive for health facilities to prepare for a possible Ebola outbreak had also prompted renewed preparedness at the centre.

Eze explained that the four diphtheria patients were admitted to the hospital’s isolation unit for supportive treatment.

He said three of the patients survived and were discharged after treatment, while one died.

He added that the hospital had strengthened its surveillance system to prevent further spread of the disease.

The medical expert said health workers who attended to the patients were also being closely monitored for symptoms.

“We have put surveillance measures in place to monitor those who provided care to the four identified cases so that if anyone develops symptoms, they can report early,” Eze said.

He stressed that isolation and contact tracing were key measures to curtail the spread of diphtheria within the hospital and surrounding communities.

“Isolation and contact tracing are also important measures to ensure that the spread of diphtheria is curtailed within the hospital and surrounding communities,” he added.

On prevention, Eze urged parents to ensure that their children received routine vaccinations, describing immunisation as one of the most effective ways to prevent the disease and reduce complications.

He also advised parents against dismissing symptoms of illness in their children and urged them to seek prompt medical attention at recognised health facilities.

The clinician further warned residents against overcrowded environments and advised them to ensure adequate ventilation in their homes, particularly with the approaching harmattan season.

Speaking on Ebola preparedness, Eze said the hospital had strengthened its isolation unit and activated emergency response measures.

He noted that the facility had received a directive from the Federal Ministry of Health to ensure the availability of protective equipment and essential medical supplies.

“We received the directive, and the management immediately swung into action. Our isolation unit was strengthened, and we are prepared to isolate any suspected case,” he said.

Eze, however, clarified that no suspected or confirmed case of Ebola had been recorded at the hospital or in Jigawa State.

He said the hospital was sustaining sensitisation campaigns through its Infectious Diseases and Community Medicine units.

The Deputy Head of Clinical Services added that the hospital was collaborating with the Jigawa State Media Corporation to educate residents on infectious diseases and preventive measures.