The Benue State Government has intensified disease surveillance and preparedness measures to prevent the spread of diphtheria in the state.
The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, disclosed this on Saturday while speaking with journalists in Benue.
Ogwuche said the state had not recorded any confirmed case of diphtheria but could not afford to become complacent because of population movement between Benue and other states, particularly neighbouring Nasarawa State.
He said, “Although Benue has not recorded a case, we are strengthening our surveillance and preparedness because diphtheria cases are increasing in different parts of the country.”
The commissioner explained that the ministry’s epidemiological and public health emergency unit had been activated to ensure a prompt response should any suspected case be detected.
According to him, the state has also intensified routine immunisation across its 23 local government areas as part of efforts to protect residents, especially children.
Ogwuche described diphtheria as a highly contagious bacterial disease caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, noting that it primarily affects the upper respiratory tract, particularly the nose and throat.
He said the infection could spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, with crowded environments increasing the risk of transmission.
“Diphtheria remains a serious contagious infection, and outbreaks are more likely in communities where vaccination coverage is low,” he said.
The commissioner urged parents and caregivers to ensure that children receive their routine vaccinations and advised residents to seek medical attention promptly when symptoms such as fever, sore throat or difficulty swallowing occur.
He added that early detection and timely medical intervention would be critical to preventing the disease from spreading if any case is identified in the state.
