UNICEF has recommended regular health checks on incoming passengers at the Sam Mbakwe Airport, Owerri, as part of measures to check the spread of diphtheria in Imo.

UNICEF’s health specialist, Olusoji Akinleye, made the recommendation during a virtual media parley organised by the agency in Owerri on Friday.

Diphtheria, a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, recently broke out in Imo, with an index case reported in Mbutu, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of the state.

Diphtheria primarily affects the nose, throat, and, in some cases, the skin, spreading through respiratory droplets or direct contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces.

Medical professionals say the incubation period ranges from two to five days but may extend up to 10 days and, without prompt treatment, can lead to severe complications and death in approximately one in 10 cases.

UNICEF is supporting the government of Nigeria’s response efforts in case management, infection prevention and control, reactive vaccination, risk communication and community engagement to contain the outbreak.

Mr Akinleye spoke on the theme: “Diphtheria Outbreak Response in Imo”.

He said that with 10 fatalities already recorded, according to available statistics, it was imperative to restrict and contain the spread of the scourge to prevent a possible “national disaster”, as the airport “sits very close to Aboh Mbaise”.

He commended the Imo immunisation officer, Chibuzo Anyaehie, for ensuring prompt vaccination of persons across the four affected council areas of Aboh Mbaise, Ahiazu Mbaise, Owerri North and Owerri Municipal.

In a remark, Ms Anyaehie said that 4,017 persons had already received the diphtheria vaccine.

According to her, the state has so far recorded 79 suspected cases and seven confirmed cases.

“We have established treatment centres across all Primary Health Centres in Mbutu and the Aboh General Hospital, with an additional 70 doses of vaccines just supplied,” she said.

Also, UNICEF’s communications officer, Ijeoma Onuoha-Ogwe, thanked health intervention officers from the Imo Ministry of Health for their efforts in containing the outbreak.

Ms Onuoha-Ogwe charged the media to adequately sensitise the general public on preventive management of the disease to curb its spread.

UNICEF’s Water Sanitation and Hygiene Specialist, Rebekah Gabriel, harped on the need for regular handwashing with soap and water and greater collaboration with traditional rulers and other critical stakeholders for effective grassroots sensitisation.

Earlier in an opening remark, UNICEF’s chief of Enugu Field Office, Juliet Chiluwe, thanked the media for effective partnerships and urged the media “to amplify awareness about the outbreak”. 

(NAN)