Benue strengthens surveillance to contain diphtheria

The Benue State Government has assured residents of the state of measures to contain diphtheria.

The State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, gave the assurance during an interaction with journalists on Saturday.

According to the commissioner, although the state has not recorded any case, the movement of people to other parts of the country, especially neighbouring Nasarawa State, has made preparedness necessary.

He added, “The ministry has strengthened surveillance and preparedness against diphtheria as cases continue to rise across the country.

“The epidemiological and public health emergency unit in the ministry has been activated to respond to anyone affected by the infectious disease,” adding that the immunisation coverage in the 23 local government areas of the state had been strengthened.

While describing the disease as a serious contagious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, the commissioner explained that diphtheria is an upper respiratory infection that affects the nose and throat and spreads through coughing and sneezing in crowded environments.

Ogwuche explained that diphtheria outbreaks occur mostly in areas with low vaccination coverage and urged parents to ensure that their children receive routine immunisation and seek prompt medical attention when symptoms such as fever or difficulty in swallowing are noticed.

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