By Julius Peter
Senator representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, Sunday Marshall Katung, has urged residents of the district to remain vigilant and ensure that children and other vulnerable members of their communities are adequately protected against diphtheria following reports of an outbreak in parts of neighbouring Plateau State and other states across the country.
Katung, who expressed concern over the reported spread of the highly contagious disease, particularly among children, called on parents, guardians, school authorities, traditional and religious leaders, as well as community members, to take proactive measures to prevent further transmission.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Midat Joseph, the senator described diphtheria as a serious bacterial infection that could become life-threatening if not detected and treated promptly.
He, however, stressed that the disease is preventable through vaccination and can be successfully managed when detected early and appropriate medical treatment is provided.
The senator therefore appealed to residents of Kaduna South Senatorial District not to panic but to remain alert and take all necessary precautions to protect themselves, their families and their communities.
According to him, maintaining good personal hygiene remains an important measure in reducing the risk of infection and transmission.
He advised residents to wash their hands regularly with soap and clean water, cover their mouths and noses properly when coughing or sneezing, and avoid unnecessary exposure to overcrowded environments, particularly during periods of heightened disease surveillance.
Katung also urged parents and caregivers to pay close attention to symptoms associated with diphtheria and seek medical assistance immediately whenever they are observed.
He listed possible warning signs to include sore throat, fever, runny nose, red eyes, swelling of the neck, as well as the appearance of a thick grey coating or white patch in the throat or nose.
He warned members of the public against attempting to treat suspected cases at home, stressing the importance of seeking professional medical attention.
The senator specifically advised residents to avoid self-medication and promptly report suspected cases to the nearest Primary Healthcare Centre or Disease Surveillance Officer to facilitate early investigation, treatment and containment.
He said early reporting was essential to enabling health authorities to trace possible contacts, provide appropriate care and prevent the disease from spreading further within communities.
Katung also disclosed that he had reached out to relevant health authorities over the development and would continue to collaborate with the Kaduna State Government and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to strengthen surveillance and ensure that vaccines and other necessary medical supplies are available within the senatorial district.
He emphasised the need for sustained coordination among government health agencies, healthcare workers, schools, community leaders and residents to effectively respond to the threat.
The senator particularly encouraged parents and guardians to ensure that eligible children receive recommended vaccinations, noting that immunisation remains one of the most effective ways of preventing vaccine-preventable diseases.
He further urged schools and other institutions where children gather to maintain appropriate hygiene standards and promptly alert health authorities whenever a suspected case is identified.
Katung said the reported outbreak should serve as a reminder of the importance of preventive healthcare and community-based disease surveillance, particularly in areas sharing borders with affected states.
He assured constituents that he would continue to monitor the situation and engage relevant authorities to support measures aimed at protecting the health and wellbeing of residents.
“While there is no need for panic, there is every need for vigilance and responsible action,” the senator said, urging residents to rely on verified information from health authorities and qualified medical professionals.
He called on communities to work collectively with government agencies and healthcare providers, stressing that early detection, vaccination, prompt treatment and effective reporting remain critical to curtailing the spread of diphtheria.
The senator urged residents to remain calm but proactive, expressing confidence that with collective vigilance, timely medical intervention and strong cooperation between communities and health authorities, the spread of the disease could be effectively contained.
