The Anambra State Government has launched a statewide sensitisation campaign on diphtheria following reports of the disease’s spread in parts of Nigeria.
The State Health Ministry, which disclosed this through its Director of Public Health and Disease Control, Dr Afam Anaeme, assured residents that no confirmed case has been recorded in the state.
He said the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, had directed the preventive campaign as part of efforts to educate residents on the symptoms, transmission and prevention of the disease before it poses a threat to the state.
Dr Anaeme said information from the state’s disease surveillance system had confirmed the ongoing spread of diphtheria in some parts of the country, making early public awareness necessary.
He, however, urged residents not to panic, stressing that Anambra had not recorded any confirmed case of the disease as of the time of the briefing.
According to Anaeme, “Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused mainly by Corynebacterium diphtheriae and spreads through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes or laughs. Close contact with an infected person could also transmit the disease.
“Common symptoms include sore throat, mild fever, weakness, swollen neck and difficulty in swallowing or breathing. Severe cases could damage the heart, kidneys and nerves.”
The health official emphasised that childhood immunisation remains the most effective protection against diphtheria, noting that the vaccine is included in the pentavalent immunisation administered to children at six, 10 and 14 weeks of age.
He also advised residents to observe proper hygiene by washing their hands regularly, avoiding unnecessary close contact with suspected cases and wearing face masks where necessary.
Anaeme said the ministry had intensified public awareness through radio jingles, social media campaigns and the distribution of information, education and communication materials on the disease.
He added that the ministry was collaborating with state-owned media organisations to feature health experts on radio and television programmes to educate the public on diphtheria and other respiratory infections.
The director assured residents that the state would continue to strengthen disease surveillance and monitor developments closely, urging the public to remain calm but vigilant by embracing vaccination, observing preventive measures and reporting suspected cases early.
