Following an official appeal by the Edo State government, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has deployed a joint emergency response team to the State in response to a recent diphtheria outbreak reported in Uselu and surrounding communities.
The appeal was made on behalf of the government by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole.
The NCDC delegation, which includes representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Edo State Ministry of Health, are in Benin City to bolster ongoing outbreak investigation and containment efforts.
According to Dr. Oshiomhole, the response team has been subdivided into specialized units to enhance operational efficiency.
One group comprising epidemiologists and clinical experts have visited the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) to assess suspected diphtheria cases and gather critical clinical data.
The second team led by State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO), Okuo Mercy Onize, has carried out community-level assessments. They also inspected healthcare facilities and markets that may have had contact with symptomatic individuals, aiming to trace transmission pathways and evaluate case histories.
In a formal debriefing session held at the Commissioner’s office, both hospital and field teams presented preliminary findings and recommendations.
These initial insights, Dr. Oshiomhole stated, will directly inform Edo State’s next phase of public health response, including targeted interventions, enhanced surveillance, and community sensitization initiatives.
“I commend the professionalism, dedication, and collaborative effort exhibited by the NCDC, WHO, and our Ministry of Health teams,” said Dr. Oshiomhole. “Their swift response and coordinated fieldwork are vital in containing this outbreak and protecting our people.”
He assured residents in the state of the government’s commitment to trace the source of the infection and implement evidence-based control measures.
Dr Oshiomhole also called on the public to remain vigilant, observe health protocols, and cooperate fully with health officials throughout the containment period.
“We remain committed to safeguarding public health in Edo State. I urge all residents to stay informed, comply with health advisories, and report any suspected cases promptly,” Dr. Oshiomhole emphasized.
