A diphtheria outbreak has been confirmed in Edo State, claiming two lives.
Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, the state’s Commissioner for Health, announced the development on Tuesday during an emergency response meeting held in Benin City, the state capital.
The meeting followed the University of Benin Teaching Hospital’s confirmation of five diphtheria cases, including the two deaths.Participants at the emergency session included representatives from WHO, UNICEF, local health agencies, and other key partners working to address the public health crisis.
Dr. Oshiomhole described the outbreak as highly concerning and emphasized the dangers of untreated diphtheria, a contagious bacterial infection that affects the throat and nose and can lead to serious complications or death.
He outlined response measures such as deploying rapid response teams, strengthening coordination efforts, enhancing surveillance and contact tracing, increasing public awareness, engaging communities, and ensuring access to vaccines.
