Director of Public Health in the Edo State Ministry of Health, Stephenson Ojeifo, has reported that two individuals have died from diphtheria in the state. The deaths occurred between January and August of this year.
Ojeifo revealed that these fatalities were among six confirmed cases of diphtheria recorded during the same period. He attributed the deaths to the patients’ delayed presentation to the hospital, which hindered timely treatment.
He emphasised the importance of seeking medical attention promptly rather than resorting to self-medication. “Edo State recorded 20 suspected cases of diphtheria between January and August 2024. Out of these, six cases were confirmed positive, and two deaths were recorded,” Ojeifo said.
Highlighting that diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable disease, Ojeifo urged parents and caregivers to ensure their children are vaccinated. “The vaccine is free and crucial in protecting children from preventable diseases that can be fatal. The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has provided the state with diphtheria antitoxins, which were used for patients who sought treatment early,” he noted.
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He also listed common symptoms of diphtheria, including fever, sore throat, and swelling of the neck glands, and reiterated the importance of vaccination in preventing the disease.
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