Following the spread of the diphtheria outbreak in Edo State, the National Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, and the Delta State Government have supplied vaccines to the state.
DAILY POST recalls that two persons died last week from the disease out of five patients who were diagnosed with advanced symptoms of the highly infectious illness.
The Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Oshiomhole, disclosed this to newsmen shortly after donating 90 doses of the vaccine to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH.
Oshiomhole stated that NCDC provided 70 doses of anti-diphtheria vaccine, while the Delta State Ministry of Health contributed 20 doses to the Edo State Government.
He, however, expressed concern that the disease is spreading beyond its expected scope, noting that even individuals who have been fully vaccinated are being infected.
He said those infected included persons above the age of five, who are not typically expected to contract the disease.
According to him, “We are working in collaboration with UBTH and the National Centre for Disease Control, NCDC. We have spoken with the Director-General of NCDC, and he graciously released 70 doses of anti-diphtheria to us.
“We also reached out to the Delta State Ministry of Health, and they have been able to give us another 20 doses.
“We are still studying the situation because some of those who are down with Diphtheria have a history of full immunisation.
“We are also trying to see why someone who is 14 years old has the disease. We are talking to the national body of the Primary Health Care to give us clearance if we can immunise children above the age of five, because what is going on now, we might need to immunise adults, including health workers.”;
The commissioner added that the Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo, has approved the donation of beds, fittings, and other items to the emergency centre at UBTH, and may also cover the medical expenses of affected patients.
Receiving the commissioner, the chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee at the hospital, Professor Stanley Okugbo, commended the state government for its swift response in providing vaccines.
Okugbo, who also serves as the consultant in charge of Children’s Emergency at the hospital, confirmed that all diphtheria patients were responding to treatment.
The consultant urged members of the public to report symptoms early to health facilities. He listed symptoms to include thick, grey membranes covering the throat and tonsils, sore throat and hoarseness, swollen glands in the neck (neck swelling), difficulty or rapid breathing, nasal discharge, fever, chills, and fatigue.
He said diphtheria is best prevented through vaccination and proper hygiene.
“The disease spreads through direct contact with infected individuals, often via respiratory droplets like those produced when coughing or sneezing.
“Prevention is best done by washing hands with soap and clean running water. An effective step to prevent infection, one of which is diphtheria,”; he stated.
