Since the outbreak of Diphtheria in Edo State a few weeks ago, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole has confirmed the death of three persons out of the six confirmed cases. He said 15 cases were earlier suspected.
Dr. Oshiomhole also disclosed that the state had recorded seven cases of dengue fever though there had been no deaths.
Giving an update on the outbreak of the diseases in an interview with journalists at the weekend, Dr. Oshiomhole said, “Since, we declared the outbreak of the disease, we have recorded 15 suspected cases. Out of these figures, we have recorded six confirmed cases and three deaths”
According to him, the six confirmed cases of diphtheria were recorded in six local government areas of the state but assured there was no cause for alarm as the situation was under control.
The commissioner, who noted that diphtheria is a vaccine preventable disease, called on parents to bring their children for vaccination against it.
He explained that “When there is low vaccine coverage, an outbreak like this would definitely happen and currently, we have 65 percent vaccine coverage, and we are going to carry out the vaccination of children”
He said to ensure adequate vaccine coverage, the Director General, National Centre for Disease Control, had graciously released 70 doses of anti-Diphtheria to the state while, the state governor Monday Okpebholo, also secured another 20 doses from Delta State.
The health commissioner said the state government had also donated IV fluid, bed, oxygen gas cylinder, personal protective equipment among others to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital where infected persons were being treated.
He said the state government would vaccinate children between ages 5 to 14, as teenagers who had been vaccinated were discovered to be affected by disease.
Dr. Oshiomhole charged parents and teachers to observe their children and pupils at home and in school and act appropriately by taking those who are unwell to the hospital for prompt attention and treatment
He said the state raised the alarm of diphtheria because teenagers who had been vaccinated earlier were down with the disease, adding that the government had been proactive by taking the necessary measures before it got out of hand.
While calling on parents to bring their children for immunisation against the disease, he disclosed that health workers have been going round the churches and Mosques sensitising the people on the need for vaccination.
Dr. Oshiomhole however, advised the people to clean their environment, ensure personal hygiene, give social distance, cough on elbow, engage in regular washing of hands, among others so as not to be infected with the disease.