The Benue State government on Sunday said it had not recorded any case of diphtheria despite the rising concern of the infectious disease across the country
State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, who made the disclosure during an interview with journalists in Makurdi, said the state had, however, strengthened its surveillance and preparedness to contain any possible outbreak
Ogwuche said the movement of people to other parts of the country, particularly neighbouring Nasarawa State, where the disease could be present, made it necessary for Benue to remain vigilant and prepared
The commissioner explained that diphtheria is a serious contagious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which primarily affects the nose and throat and can spread through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing, particularly in crowded environments
He explained that the ministry’s Epidemiology and Public Health Emergency Operations Centre has been activated to respond promptly to any suspected or confirmed case of the disease
Ogwuche added that immunisation coverage had also been strengthened across the 23 local government areas of the state as part of measures to prevent an outbreak
The health commissioner therefore urged parents and caregivers to ensure that their children receive routine immunisation, stressing the need for prompt medical attention where symptoms such as fever and difficulty in swallowing are observed