Benue strengthens surveillance as diphtheria cases rise nationwide

From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

As cases continue to rise across the country, the Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services said it has strengthened surveillance and emergency preparedness to prevent and contain any outbreak of diphtheria in the state.

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, disclosed this to newsmen in Makurdi saying although no case of diphtheria had been recorded in Benue, the increasing cases across the country warranted heightened vigilance.

Ogwuche said the movement of people between Benue and other parts of the country, particularly neighbouring Nasarawa State, made it necessary for the state to strengthen its preparedness against the infectious disease.

According to him, diphtheria is a serious and highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which primarily affects the nose and throat and can spread through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing, especially in crowded environments.

The commissioner said the ministry’s epidemiological and public health emergency unit had been activated to respond promptly to any suspected or confirmed case.

He added that the state had also strengthened immunization coverage across the 23 local government areas as part of measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

Ogwuche explained that diphtheria outbreaks were more likely to occur in communities with low vaccination coverage, stressing the importance of routine immunization.

He urged parents and caregivers to ensure that children receive all recommended routine vaccines.

He also advised them to seek prompt medical attention if children develop symptoms such as fever or difficulty swallowing.

The commissioner assured residents that the ministry would continue to monitor the situation and take necessary measures to protect the state from a possible outbreak.

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