Two persons have died from complications linked to diphtheria at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) in Edo State.
The deaths followed growing concerns over a nationwide shortage of life-saving antitoxins.
Reports have it that the death were among five patients who presented advanced symptoms of the highly infectious disease.
As a result of the outbreak, the Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole had summoned an emergency meeting among heads of Health institutions in the state including World Health Organisation and United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) where quick response team was activated to commenced free treatment.
The meeting was sequel to report from the UBTH confirming five cases of Diphtheria including two death.
According to Oshiomhole, “Diphtheria is vaccine preventable diseases and its resurgence in our state raises concern about immunisation gap, surveillance lapses and public health awareness. These cases are not just numbers they represent real family, real loss and danger to communities. If they are left unchecked.
“We cannot afford to be reactive, we must act swiftly and collaboratively. The ministry have activated response team and commenced free treatment. Residence are advice to ensure that children are fully immunised.”
Public Relation officer of University ofUBTH, Joshua Uwaila who confirmed the outbreak could not ascertain the numbers in term of death.
“There is a resurgence of the Diphtheria and that is why our public health nurses are out to enlightened the public and out doctors are also on radio to create public awareness as well,” he added.
Diphtheria is caused by the Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacterium, spreads through respiratory droplets or direct contact with infected individuals.
If left untreated, Diphtheria can result in severe respiratory complications, heart failure, paralysis, and death.
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