The Edo State Government has confirmed a diphtheria outbreak in the state, with two deaths reported out of five confirmed cases.
At a Tuesday, June 3 emergency response meeting in Benin, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, the Edo State Commissioner for Health, revealed this.
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The commissioner claims that after laboratory confirmation from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH)
confirmed the outbreak, health authorities and partners were immediately mobilized to stop its spread.
This outbreak is a serious cause for concern,” Dr Oshiomhole said.
“Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects the nose and throat, and if not treated promptly, it can lead to severe complications or de@th.”
Furthermore, the emergency meeting convened key stakeholders, including representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO),
UNICEF, local health institutions, and development partners to coordinate a swift and effective response.
Oshiomole also outlined a multi-pronged containment strategy, including the deployment of a rapid response team,
strengthened surveillance and contact tracing, enhanced public awareness, and improved vaccine accessibility across the state.
He further highlighted the compounding threats posed by antimicrobial resistance
and co-infections, underscoring the urgency of a coordinated public health effort.
“We are acting decisively to prevent further loss of life. Community engagement, early detection, and vaccination are crucial to stopping the spread,” he added.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and report early symptoms such as sore throat, fever, or breathing difficulties to the nearest health facility.
People were also advised to avoid close contact with infected individuals and to observe good hygiene practices.
“This is not a time to panic, but to stay informed, stay calm, and act responsibly,” Dr Oshiomhole concluded.
WHAT IS DIPHTHERIA?
Diphtheria is a contagious infection caused by a bacterium called Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The bacterium releases a toxin that causes a buildup of grey tissue in your throat, leading to problems with swallowing and breathing.
You can catch diphtheria through airborne droplets that contain bacteria (spread by sneezing, coughing and spitting) or by touching something that has bacteria on it. It is also possible that an infected person could transmit the disease through an open sore touched by someone else, or touching clothes that someone else touches. It’s possible to get diphtheria more than once.
Diphtheria treatment begins immediately — sometimes even before the lab test results are confirmed. Your healthcare provider will prescribe diphtheria antitoxin to stop damage to your organs. They’ll also prescribe antibiotics, typically penicillin or erythromycin, to fight infection.
People with diphtheria are kept in isolation to prevent others from becoming infected. An infected person is no longer contagious around 48 hours after taking antibiotics.
Culled from: Cleveland Clinic