The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has confirmed five laboratory-positive cases of diphtheria in the FCT, with two deaths recorded, and is intensifying efforts to prevent further spread of the disease. The FCTA urged residents not to panic, assuring that it has activated outbreak response mechanisms to contain the disease and protect vulnerable residents, particularly children. Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, disclosed the figures in Karshi during a community sensitization and advocacy programme to raise awareness about diphtheria. Fasawe said 15 suspected cases had been investigated in the territory as of last week, with five subsequently confirmed through laboratory testing; two of the confirmed patients died, while several others responded to treatment and were discharged. She noted that diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that primarily affects the throat and airways.
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