The Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State, recorded four cases of diphtheria in October, resulting in one death while three other patients recovered.
The Deputy Head of Clinical Services at the hospital, Dr Yunus Eze, disclosed this while addressing journalists in his office on Thursday.
This came as the health facility strengthened its emergency response measures against a potential Ebola virus disease outbreak.
Eze said the four diphtheria patients were admitted to the hospital’s isolation unit for supportive treatment, adding that three survived and were discharged while one died.
He said the hospital had strengthened its disease surveillance system to prevent further spread, with health workers who attended to the patients being 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,” he said.
Eze identified isolation and contact tracing as crucial measures for containing the disease 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 their children receive routine vaccinations, describing immunisation as one of the most effective ways to prevent the disease and reduce complications.
He also advised parents not to dismiss symptoms of illness in their children but to seek prompt medical attention at recognised health facilities.
The clinician warned residents against living in overcrowded environments and urged them to ensure adequate ventilation in their homes, particularly with the approaching harmattan season.
On Ebola preparedness, Eze said the hospital had upgraded its isolation unit and activated emergency response measures following a directive from the Federal Ministry of Health.
He said the directive required health facilities to ensure the availability of personal 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 stated.
He, however, clarified that the hospital had not recorded any suspected or confirmed cases of Ebola in the facility or across Jigawa State.
Eze added that the hospital was sustaining public sensitisation campaigns through its Infectious Diseases and Community Medicine units in collaboration with the Jigawa State Media Corporation.