Diphtheria: Benue Strengthens Surveillance, Preparedness as Cases Rise Nationwide

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

The Benue State Government has intensified surveillance and preparedness against diphtheria following reports of rising cases of the disease across the country.

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ejeh Ogwuche, disclosed this during an interview with journalists at the ministry’s headquarters in Makurdi on Friday.

Ogwuche said that although Benue State has not recorded any confirmed case of diphtheria, the government considered it necessary to strengthen preventive measures because of the movement of people between the state and other parts of the country, particularly neighbouring Nasarawa State.

He described diphtheria as a serious and highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which primarily affects the nose and throat.

According to him, the disease can spread through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes, particularly in crowded environments.

The commissioner said the Epidemiology and Public Health Emergency Unit of the ministry had been activated and placed on alert to respond promptly to any suspected or confirmed case.

He added that the state government had also strengthened routine immunisation coverage across the 23 local government areas of Benue State as part of measures to prevent an outbreak.

Ogwuche noted that diphtheria outbreaks are more likely to occur in communities with low vaccination coverage and urged parents and caregivers to ensure that their children receive all recommended routine immunisations.

He also advised residents to seek prompt medical attention if they notice symptoms such as fever, sore throat or difficulty swallowing.

The commissioner assured residents that the state government would continue to monitor the situation and strengthen public health measures to protect communities against the disease.