In response to the recent outbreak of diphtheria in parts of the country, the Oyo State Government has ramped up efforts to curb the spread of the disease and protect residents.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, made this known in a statement on Tuesday.
According to Oyelade, the Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, also addressed the issue at the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Ibadan.
She explained that diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, as well as direct contact with infected wounds.
“It primarily affects the throat and upper airways, causing a thick greyish membrane that can obstruct breathing.
“Symptoms include sore throat, fever, cough, swollen lymph nodes, difficulty swallowing, and in severe cases, respiratory distress.”
Ajetunmobi reiterated that the government had intensified surveillance, case management and vaccination campaigns.
“Healthcare workers are on high alert to respond swiftly to suspected cases.”
She emphasised the importance of residents staying informed, maintaining personal hygiene and supporting the government’s public health interventions to prevent further spread.
She also urged parents to ensure children received the three doses of the Pentavalent vaccine at six, ten and fourteen weeks of age, while pregnant women should receive the Tetanus-Diphtheria (TD) vaccine during antenatal care.
Ajetunmobi advised the public to maintain good hygiene practices, including regular handwashing, covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing, avoiding sharing personal items and seeking medical attention immediately if symptoms arose.
