Edo State has recorded three deaths and six confirmed cases of diphtheria since the declaration of the outbreak of the disease in the state.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Oshiomhole stated this over the weekend during a media briefing in Benin City, where he provided updates on the public health situation.
“Since we declared the outbreak of the disease, we have recorded 15 suspected cases. Out of these figures, we have recorded six confirmed cases and three deaths,” he stated.
Dr. Oshiomhole also disclosed that seven cases of dengue fever had been identified in the state, noting that no deaths have been linked to the virus so far.
He further said the confirmed diphtheria cases were spread across six local government areas and assured residents that the situation was being managed effectively.
The commissioner restated that diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable disease and urged parents to prioritize immunization for their children.
He disclosed that the director general of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, had provided 70 doses of anti-diphtheria vaccines, while Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo secured an additional 20 doses from neighboring Delta State as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s response.
Dr. Oshiomhole urged parents and school authorities to closely monitor children for any sign of illness and seek immediate medical care when necessary.
He advised the public to maintain clean surroundings, practice physical distancing, observe personal hygiene, cough into their elbows, and wash hands regularly to minimize the risk of infection.
