Edo State Government has issued a public health alert over the rising spread of diphtheria in parts of the state, launching an enlightenment campaign to protect residents from the deadly infection.
In a post on one of the official social media pages of the Ministry of Health, the government warned residents to take immediate preventive measures to safeguard themselves and their families.
According to the page, “Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that can cause severe breathing difficulties and even death if not treated promptly. The infection is highly contagious and spreads mainly through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, and close contact with infected individuals.”
The Ministry outlined key symptoms to watch for, including:
Sore throat
Fever
Swollen neck (commonly referred to as “bull neck”)
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
A grey or white layer in the throat or nose
It strongly advised that anyone experiencing these symptoms should proceed immediately to the nearest hospital and avoid self-treatment at home.
To curb the spread of diphtheria, the Ministry on the post recommended the following preventive measures:
Ensure children are fully vaccinated with the DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus) vaccine
Keep babies and young children away from sick individuals
Wash hands regularly
Avoid self-medication
Avoid contact with infected wounds
The Ministry emphasized that early detection and proper medical attention are critical to reducing complications and preventing fatalities. It called on parents, caregivers, and the general public to remain alert and comply with all public health directives.
For more information or assistance, the public is encouraged to visit the nearest health facility.
