Edo State has confirmed an outbreak of diphtheria, which has already claimed two lives.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Oshiomhole, made this known on Tuesday in Benin City during an emergency meeting with health experts and international partners.
Dr Oshiomhole said the University of Benin Teaching Hospital confirmed five cases of diphtheria, two of which resulted in death.
“This outbreak is a serious cause for concern,” he said. “If not treated quickly, diphtheria can lead to severe health problems and even death.”
Diphtheria is a contagious disease caused by bacteria. It mostly affects the nose and throat and can make breathing difficult.
Health experts from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and other local partners were also part of the meeting aimed at stopping the spread of the disease.
Dr Oshiomhole explained that the government had taken urgent steps, including sending out a rapid response team and improving contact tracing to find people who may have been exposed.
He also mentioned the importance of community education, better coordination, and making sure that vaccines are available to everyone.
“We need to raise public awareness, engage our communities, and make vaccines easy to access,” he said.
He praised UBTH for responding quickly to the first cases and thanked partners for their support.
“The government is fully committed to containing this outbreak,” the commissioner assured.
People were advised to report early symptoms like sore throat, fever, or difficulty in breathing to the nearest health centre.
Dr Oshiomhole also warned against close contact with anyone showing signs of the illness.
“This is not a time to panic, but to prepare, inform, and act responsibly,” he added.
