Nigeria’s Edo State has recorded two deaths due to diphtheria between January and August this year, according to Dr. Stephenson Ojeifo, Director of Public Health at the Edo Ministry of Health.
During an interview in Benin, Dr. Ojeifo revealed that out of 20 suspected cases, six were confirmed as positive, resulting in two fatalities.
“We have recorded 20 suspected cases of the disease from January to August. Out of these, six were confirmed positive and two mortalities recorded. Diphtheria is a vaccine preventable disease and we are urging mothers and caregivers to ensure their children are vaccinated. The vaccine is free and vaccination protects our children against childhood preventable diseases, which can cause death,” Dr. Ojeifo stated.
He attributed the fatalities to the delayed presentation of the affected children at hospitals, stressing the importance of seeking prompt medical care rather than resorting to self-medication.
Dr. Ojeifo also mentioned that the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) had provided the state with diphtheria antitoxins, which were administered to patients who sought treatment early. While these antitoxins are not available commercially, the state has secured a supply from the NCDC and still has some in stock.
He further confirmed that there are currently no active suspected cases of diphtheria in the state.
According to the World Health Organisation, diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the upper respiratory tract and occasionally the skin. Common symptoms include fever, a sore throat, and swollen neck glands.