Following the spread of diphtheria outbreak in Edo State, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Delta State Government have supplied 90 doses of anti-diphtheria vaccines to help combat the infectious disease.
BenriNews 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 the vaccines to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). According to the commissioner, NCDC provided 70 doses of the vaccine, while the Delta State Ministry of Health contributed 20 doses.
Unusual Spread Pattern Raises Concerns
Dr. Oshiomhole expressed concern that the disease is spreading beyond its expected scope, noting that even individuals who have been fully vaccinated are becoming infected. He pointed out that those infected included persons above the age of five, who are not typically expected to contract the disease.
"We are working in collaboration with UBTH and the National Centre for Disease Control. We have spoken with the Director-General of NCDC, and he graciously released 70 doses of anti-diphtheria to us," he said.
"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.
Government Response and Support
Dr. Oshiomhole further revealed that 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 UBTH, 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.
Symptoms and Prevention
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
Professor Okugbo emphasized that 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," he stated.
It's worth noting that according to the Edo State government, diphtheria has claimed four lives in the state between 2024 to date.
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