Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services has stepped up disease surveillance and emergency‑preparedness measures as diphtheria cases continue to rise across Nigeria, the state’s Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, told journalists in Makurdi.
Although Benue has not recorded any confirmed diphtheria case, the commissioner said the nationwide increase in infections has placed the state on high alert. He noted that frequent movement of people between Benue and other states, particularly neighbouring Nasarawa, makes it essential to strengthen detection and containment efforts.
Ogwuche explained that diphtheria is a serious, highly contagious bacterial disease caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The infection mainly affects the nose and throat and spreads through respiratory droplets expelled when an infected person coughs or sneezes; crowded settings raise the risk of transmission.
The ministry has activated its epidemiological and public‑health emergency unit to ensure an immediate response to any suspected or confirmed case. Immunisation activities have also been reinforced across the state’s 23 local government areas, with the commissioner stressing that areas with low vaccination coverage are especially vulnerable and that routine immunisation remains a key preventive measure.
Dr Ogwuche called on parents and caregivers to ensure children receive all vaccines recommended under the routine immunisation programme and to seek medical attention without delay if children develop symptoms such as fever or difficulty swallowing. He assured residents that the ministry will continue monitoring developments within and outside Benue and will take appropriate steps to protect the population from a possible outbreak.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
