The Edo state government has confirmed the diphtheria outbreak, a very contagious bacterial infection, which has claimed two lives.
Confirmation was carried out during an emergency health response meeting held in Benin City on Tuesday.
Commissioner of State for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, revealed that the Benin University (UBTH) teaching hospital has confirmed five cases of disease, including two deaths. The emergency meeting united the main stakeholders, including representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, local health institutions, and development partners, because the state mobilized the coordinated response.
Describe the development as “a serious reason to worry,” Dr. Oshiomhole warns the dangers caused by diphtheria if not identified and treated immediately. “Diphtheria is a potential life -threatening infection that affects the nose and throat. This can cause severe complications and even death if not treated early,” he said.
He explained that the increase in diphtheria cases, combined with existing public health challenges such as antimicrobial resistance and sustainable threats of viruses, underlined the urgency for fast and strategic actions.
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To fight the plague, Dr. Oshiomhole described a multi-bravle response plan, including:
- The spread of the team responds quickly to the affected area,
- Strengthen the supervisory system and contact search efforts,
- Intensify the Communication and Community Health Campaign,
- Ensure that the vaccine is available and can be accessed by residents, and
- Involving community leaders to foster trust and cooperation.
Commissioners praised UBTH for their timely diagnosis and response, noting that collaboration with federal and international health partners had begun. “Their quick intervention allows us to hold back what can spread further,” he said.
He assured residents that the state government was fully committed to containing an outbreak and reducing further loss of life. “We are not only reacting; we proactively build a framework to prevent escalation and recurrence in the future,” he added.
Oshiomhole urges residents to remain vigilant and consider the initial symptoms seriously. He suggested anyone who experienced a sore throat, fever, or difficulty breathing to seek medical attention immediately and avoid contact with others when sick.
He also warned the panic, instead encouraged the public and calm information. “This is not time to panic, but to prepare, inform, and act responsibly,” he said.