…As Disease Claims Two Lives, Affect Others
Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Outbreak of Diphtheria that has claimed the lives of two patients and affecting five other persons in Edo State, has forced the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole into an emergency meeting with heads of health institutions, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and other key health partners in the state.
The meeting followed an official report from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), confirming five cases of diphtheria, including two deaths.
Dr. Oshiomhole said that the situation has raised serious concern and called for urgent action across the health sector.
Oshiomhole, while explaining the outbreak of the disease, said Diphtheria is a serious infection caused by bacteria.
He said it mostly affects the nose and throat and spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or close contact adding that without early treatment, it can lead to serious health problems or death.
The Health Commissioner warned that the outbreak, along with other rising health issues such as viral infections and drug resistance, highlights the need for quick and joint efforts to protect the public.
The Commissioner urged that the meeting focuses on setting up a rapid response team, improving coordination across state and local levels, reviewing surveillance data, tracing contacts, managing cases, engaging communities, and ensuring vaccine availability.
The Commissioner commended the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for their swift response and thanked all partners for their continued support.
He added that the Governor supports all necessary interventions to stop the spread of the disease and keep communities safe.