Africa-Press – Nigeria. No fewer than four people have reportedly died of diphtheria disease in Edo State as of May 2025.
Two persons died between January and August 2024 and another two from that period to May 2025.
on September 2, 2024, Dr Stephenson Ojiefo, the Director of Public Health in the Edo State Ministry of Health had disclosed to newsmen in Benin City that the state recorded two deaths of the disease between January and August in 2024.
Ojiefo had said that out of the recorded 20 suspected cases in the period under review, six were confirmed positive and two deaths recorded.
Meanwhile in his press briefing on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, the Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Oshiomhole disclosed that two persons also lost their lives to the disease in the state.
Oshiomhole who disclosed this during an emergency response meeting said the patients died at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH.
He said the deceased were among the five confirmed cases by the teaching hospital.
The emergency meeting was attended by representatives from WHO, UNICEF, local health bodies, and key partners tackling the unfolding public health threat.
The Commissioner described the outbreak as “a serious cause for concern,” warning of the infection’s potential severity if not treated quickly.
“Diphtheria is a contagious bacterial infection affecting the nose and throat. It could cause severe complications or death.
“The increase in cases, combined with rising threats like drug resistance and viral infections, demands urgent, coordinated efforts,” he said.
Oshiomhole listed key strategies to curtail the spread of the disease to include deployment of rapid response team, improving coordination, and boosting surveillance and contact tracing.
He also listed other priorities as raising public awareness, engaging communities, and ensuring vaccine availability and access.
While assuring the public of the state government’s commitment to containing the outbreak, he commended the authorities of UBTH for their swift response and acknowledged ongoing support from health partners.
He, however, advised citizens to report symptoms early, such as sore throat, fever, or breathing difficulty and to avoid close contact with sick individuals.
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