REPORTER: UCHE NDEKE
Anambra State government has commenced preventive measures against the spread of diphtheria in the area.
This follows the report of the spread of the disease to some parts of the country with some deaths recorded.
Correspondent Uche Ndeke reports that the measures adopted by the government include sensitisation of the citizens on the safeguards against the disease.
Though Anambra State is not on the list of risk areas of the disease, it’s manifestation in some states in the southern part of the country where it was hardly noticed has forced the government to activate quick response measures to protect the citizens from it.
The Director of Public Health and Disease Control in the State Ministry of Health, Dr Afam Anaeme, who spoke on behalf of the Commissioner for Health Dr Afam Obidike said though there is no reported case of Diphtheria in the state the government is taking early action to keep the residents informed and protected.
Dr Anaeme explained that diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that spread through respiratory droplets and can be transmitted through close contact with infected person.
" the reports should not create panic among residents as there was no confirmed case of diphtheria in Anambra State as of the time of this briefing. the ministry was instead taking early preventive action to ensure that residents were adequately informed and protected"
He said the disease causes sore throat, mild fever, weakness, swollen neck, and difficulty in swallowing or breathing and could damage the heart, kidneys and nerves in severe cases.
The Director emphasised the importance of childhood immunisation, noting that diphtheria protection forms part of the pentavalent vaccines given to children at six, ten and fourteen weeks.
He advised residents to maintain proper hygiene, wash their hands regularly, avoid unnecessary close contact with suspected cases, and use face masks where appropriate.
" the state would continue to monitor developments and strengthen disease surveillance, the objective was to ensure that residents were informed and prepared rather than waiting until cases emerged before taking action. residents to remain calm but vigilant, early reporting, vaccination and adherence to preventive measures remain important in protecting individuals and communities from diphtheria"
In an interview Lady Eukaria Onyemaobi said she had not heard anything about diphtheria but said government should immediately take preventive measures especially at border and entry points to the state.
” What the government of Anambra state should do is, in any given time an Outbreak happens, it is the duty of the ministry of health to tale up sensitisation to educate people at the airport and border points, letting people know thy this is happening and the need for them to take appropriate precautions”
It is expected that relevant authorities in Anambra state should intensify sensitisation effort especially now that schools have reopened to check possible spread of diphtheria in the state .
