Edo State has confirmed three deaths from a recent diphtheria outbreak, according to the Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Oshiomhole. He gave the update during a weekend media briefing held in Benin City.
“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 said.
Dr Oshiomhole also disclosed that seven cases of dengue fever had been detected in the state, though there have been no reported deaths linked to that virus.
He explained that the confirmed diphtheria cases were recorded across six local government areas and assured the public that the outbreak was being handled with seriousness. He added that health officials were actively responding and that the situation remained under control.
He emphasized that diphtheria is preventable with vaccines and called on parents to ensure their children are properly immunized.
“When there is low vaccine coverage, an outbreak like this would definitely happen, and currently, we have 65 percent vaccine coverage, and we are going to carry out the vaccination of children,” he said.
READ ALSO: Diphtheria Death Toll Now 1,319, NCDC Blames Poor Vaccination
Dr Oshiomhole revealed that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention had supplied 70 doses of anti-diphtheria vaccines. He also confirmed that Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo had secured an additional 20 doses from Delta State to support the vaccination campaign.
To aid in treatment, the state government has provided essential medical supplies to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, including intravenous fluids, hospital beds, oxygen cylinders, and personal protective equipment for health workers caring for patients.
He announced that the next phase of vaccinations would focus on children aged 5 to 14. He pointed out that a few teenagers who had previously been vaccinated still contracted the disease, which reinforces the need for broader and stronger vaccine coverage.
Dr Oshiomhole encouraged parents and school heads to keep a close watch on children’s health and seek prompt medical attention if symptoms appear. He also advised the general public to maintain cleanliness, follow hygiene practices, avoid close contact when sick, cover coughs properly, and wash hands regularly to help curb the spread of infections.