Diphtheria Now In Osun, Govt Alerts Residents

The Executive Secretary of Osun State Primary Healthcare Development Board (OSPHCDB), Dr. Oluwole Fabiyi has called on parents/caregivers to ensure that their children get the anti-diphtheria vaccine as recommended in the childhood immunization schedule, following the outbreak of diphtheria in the State and some other states in the country.

Dr. Fabiyi stated that diphtheria, a vaccine preventable disease is a serious bacteria infection that affects the nose, throat and skin of an individual.

This announcement was contained in the press release signed by Dr. Oluwole Fabiyi and made available to media.

He said diphtheria spreads easily between people through droplets from coughing or sneezing, direct contact with infected people or contact with contaminated clothing and objects, thereby underscoring the importance of hygiene and environmental sanitation in the prevention.

According to him: “The symptoms of the disease include fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, red eyes, neck swelling, and that in severe cases a patient with diphtheria experiences a sheet of thick, grey matter covering the back of the throat, making breathing difficult.

He further mentioned that outbreak of diphtheria has claimed a six-year-old child who lost his life to the disease in Osogbo, capital city of the State.

According to him “Following the outbreak of diphtheria infections in some part of Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered the immediate activation of the State Emergency Response Centre to curb any further spread, launch contact tracing, and treat the infected residents”.

Fabiyi cautioned residents on personal hygiene, advising them to report any strange symptoms, especially relating to their respiratory health.

He also advised nursing mothers to complete routine schedules for their children by going to the Primary healthcare facilities close to them.