Taraba Confirms First Diphtheria Case After Patient Dies in Bali LGA

Taraba State has confirmed its first case of diphtheria after a patient died from the disease in Bali Local Government Area, prompting health authorities to step up surveillance across the state.

The state epidemiologist and coordinator of health security, Udi Aketemo, announced the development in a statement, saying the confirmation followed earlier difficulties in testing suspected cases.

Taraba had faced a shortage of appropriate facilities for laboratory confirmation, making it difficult for health officials to establish whether suspected patients had diphtheria. That situation has now changed following the arrival of testing kits and specialised laboratory equipment at the Federal Medical Centre in Jalingo.

Aketemo said the new equipment would improve the state’s ability to quickly test and confirm suspected diphtheria cases. He added that 14 suspected cases were identified and tested after the testing capacity was strengthened, but all 14 samples returned negative results.

Despite the negative results, the Ministry of Health has activated its public health surveillance system as part of efforts to prevent further transmission. The response is focused particularly on Bali and surrounding communities, where health officials are monitoring the situation.

The surveillance programme will involve tracking suspected cases, identifying communities considered at higher risk and ensuring that people who develop symptoms can receive medical attention quickly.

Health authorities have urged parents and caregivers to make sure children receive their routine vaccinations. Diphtheria vaccination is included in Nigeria’s routine childhood immunisation programme and remains a key measure for preventing the disease.

Residents have also been advised to seek medical attention promptly if they develop symptoms such as a severe sore throat, fever or difficulty breathing. Health officials are encouraging people not to delay reporting suspected cases as surveillance efforts continue across Taraba State.