The Ekiti state government has advised all residents to remain attentive and strictly adhere to preventive measures against diphtheria, in the light of the growing number of confirmed cases in Nigeria.
The Human Health and Services Commissioner, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, in a statement made available to journalists in Ado Ekiti, said that Ekiti has not registered any confirmed case of diphtheria this year.
He added that the advice was led to the government's commitment to ensure that the State remains free of the disease through proactive health surveillance, vaccination and public awareness.
Filani explained that the government's proactive movement was based on the fact that more than 30,000 cases and approximately 1,400 deaths have been reported in 27 states of the country, in mid -2025.
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Describe diphtheria as a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium species that mainly affect the nose, throat and, sometimes, the skin, Filani pointed out that the disease spreads through direct contact with infected individuals, respiratory drops due to cough or sneezing, and contact with contaminated objects or surfaces.
According to him, “unaccoured people, especially children, people living in overpopulated or unhealthy conditions, as well as health workers and caregivers in contact with suspicious or confirmed cases are more vulnerable and at risk of contracting the disease.”
He highlighted the symptoms to take into account to include “fever, nose that its liquid, sore throat, cough, conjunctivitis (red eyes), swelling of the neck and a thick gray or white coating in the throat or in the tonsils in severe cases, often accompanied by difficulties that it refers that the warning appears typically within the two days of exposure.”
Ensuring that the state government, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Disease Control Center (NCDC) and the development partners, would continue to intensify surveillance and preparation efforts, Filani indicated that the health professionals of the entire State have been put on alert to identify and respond quickly to suspicious cases.
However, he emphasized the need for parents and tutors to ensure that their children and rooms receive the full course of the Pentavalent Vaccine at 6, 10 and 14 weeks of age, as described in the National Child Immunization Program, and added that any person who shows symptoms should avoid self -medication and inform immediately to seek medical care in the closest health ease.
By advising health workers to remain alert, the infection control protocols are followed and they are vaccinated if they have a higher risk of exposure, the commissioner emphasized that suspicious cases should be isolated and informed to the Disease and Notification Surveillance Officer (DSNO). On the contrary, nearby contacts with confirmed cases, provide prophylactic antibiotics and treat with diphtheria antitoxin when necessary.
He said: “We are taking all the necessary measures to keep our state safe and urge everyone to assume responsibility by ensuring complete vaccination and rapid reports of any suspicious symptoms. Residents must also maintain good hygiene, stay informed and help create awareness in their communities..“