Diphtheria: Benue strengthens surveillance, preparedness amid rising cases nationwide

By Johnson Arua

The Benue State Government has strengthened surveillance and preparedness measures against diphtheria following the reported rise in cases of the infectious disease across the country.

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, disclosed this in an interview with journalists in Makurdi, stressing that although no case of diphtheria had been recorded in the state, the government was taking proactive measures to prevent an outbreak.

Ogwuche said the movement of people between Benue and other parts of the country, particularly neighbouring Nasarawa State, made it necessary for the state to intensify its surveillance and preparedness measures.

According to him, the government was not waiting for the state to record a case before putting measures in place to protect residents from the disease.

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

The commissioner noted that the disease could spread from person to person through respiratory droplets released when an infected individual coughs or sneezes, particularly in crowded or clustered environments.

He said the Epidemiological and Public Health Emergency Unit of the ministry had been activated to ensure prompt response in the event of any suspected or confirmed case in the state.

Ogwuche further disclosed that the state had strengthened immunisation coverage across the 23 local government areas as part of efforts to protect children and other vulnerable residents from vaccine-preventable diseases.

He stressed that diphtheria outbreaks were more likely to occur in communities with low vaccination coverage, urging parents and caregivers to ensure that their children receive routine immunisation.

The commissioner also advised residents to seek immediate medical attention whenever symptoms suggestive of the disease, including fever and difficulty in swallowing, are observed.

He assured residents that the Ministry of Health and Human Services would continue to monitor developments and strengthen its preparedness measures to prevent the spread of diphtheria into Benue State.