Two patients have died from diphtheria in Abuja out of five laboratory-confirmed cases, according to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environmental Secretariat, disclosed the figures during a community sensitisation event in Karshi, noting that 15 suspected cases were investigated as of last week. She explained that diphtheria is a severe bacterial infection affecting the nose, throat, and sometimes the skin, with early symptoms including fever, cough, and catarrh that can escalate to neck swelling and breathing difficulties. Fasawe also cited a tragic case in which a child bled to death, as the FCTA moves to calm public anxiety over the outbreak.
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