By Idahosa Musa
Diphtheria Outbreak that claimed the lives of two patients and affecting five others in Edo State, has forced the State Government into an emergency meeting with critical stakeholders in the health sector.
It was gathered on Wednesday, that the State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, during the emergency meeting met 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 during the meeting 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.
He 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.
Oshiomhole commended the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) management for its 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.
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