Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, has disclosed that the state have recorded three deaths and six confirm cases from Diphtheria since the outbreak of the disease in the state. 

Dr Cyril disclosed this in  Benin in an interview with journalists while giving an update on the outbreak of the disease in the state.

He said, “Since, we declared the outbreak of the disease, we have recorded 15 suspected cases. Out of these figures, we have recorded six confirmed cases and three deaths.”

The commissioner further disclosed that the state has recorded seven cases of dengue fever but with no death recorded.

According to him, the five confirmed cases of diphtheria were recorded in six local government areas of the state, adding there is no cause for alarm as the situation is under control.

The commissioner who noted that diphtheria is a preventable disease, called on parents to be proactive.

He added that to ensure adequate vaccine coverage, the Director General, National Centre for Disease Control, has graciously released 70 doses of anti-Diphtheria to the state while, the state governor Monday Okpebholo also secured another 20 doses from Delta State.

He said the state government has also donated IV fluid, bed, oxygen gas cylinder, personal protective equipment among others to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, where infected persons are being treated.

Oshiomhole called on parents and teachers  to observe their children and pupils at home and in school and act appropriately by taking those who are unwell to the hospital for prompt attention and treatment.

He said the state raised the alarm of diphtheria because teenagers who have been inoculated earlier are down with the disease, adding that they have been proactive by taking the necessary measures before it gets out of hand.

The Edo Health Commissioner therefore advised the people to clean their environment, ensure personal hygiene, give social distance, cough on elbow, regular washing of hands, among others so as not to be affected with the disease.