Enugu State has not recorded any confirmed cases of diphtheria, the Commissioner for Health, George Ugwu, has announced.
Addressing public concerns regarding the bacterial infection, the Commissioner stated that the state remains free of the disease despite ongoing health monitoring. The announcement serves as a clarification to residents amidst broader concerns regarding diphtheria outbreaks in other parts of Nigeria.
While confirming the absence of the disease in the state, Ugwu urged parents and guardians to take proactive measures to protect their children. He emphasised the importance of ensuring that children undergo full immunisation, specifically highlighting the use of diphtheria-containing vaccines, such as the pentavalent vaccine.
Public health measures and vaccine importance
The Commissioner’s announcement, which was first reported by Channels Television, is part of the state’s strategy to maintain preventive healthcare. Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects the mucous membranes of the throat and nose, which can lead to severe complications if not managed through timely vaccination.
The pentavalent vaccine is a critical component of the routine immunisation schedule in Nigeria. It protects children against five serious diseases: diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Health officials have noted that maintaining high coverage rates for these vaccines is essential to preventing the resurgence of these preventable illnesses in the country.
Diphtheria can cause airway obstruction, heart failure, or even death if left untreated. Consequently, the state government is focusing on community awareness to ensure that the absence of current cases does not lead to a decline in vaccination rates among the younger population.
In recent months, several states across the federation have reported clusters of diphtheria cases, prompting the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to heighten surveillance. By clarifying the status in Enugu, the state government aims to prevent unnecessary panic while maintaining high vigilance in primary healthcare centres.
The Enugu State Ministry of Health is expected to continue its surveillance activities and routine immunisation outreaches to ensure that all children in the state are covered under the national health programme. Parents are encouraged to visit the nearest primary healthcare facility to verify their children’s vaccination status and complete any outstanding doses.
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