Oyo warns residents on risk of diphtheria, urges good hygiene

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Oyo State Government has alerted residents to the risk of a diphtheria outbreak and urged them to take preventive measures.

The Commissioner for Health in Oyo State, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, issued the warning in Ibadan, the state capital, at the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).

She described diphtheria as a highly contagious bacterial infection that spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing and direct contact with infected wounds.

She noted that its symptoms include sore throat, fever, cough, swollen lymph nodes, difficulty swallowing, and, in severe cases, respiratory distress.

Ajetunmobi assured residents that the government has intensified surveillance, case management, and vaccination campaigns. She added that healthcare workers have been placed on high alert to respond swiftly to suspected cases.

The commissioner emphasized that preventing the spread of diphtheria requires residents to stay informed, take necessary precautions, maintain personal hygiene, and support the government’s public health interventions.

She advised parents to ensure their children receive the three doses of the Pentavalent vaccine at six, ten, and fourteen weeks of age.

The commissioner also urged residents to call 08033742052 or 07032067763 for more information or to report suspected cases.