The World Health Organisation (WHO) has challenged the media in the North-East to increase public enlightenment on the dangers of diphtheria.

The world body gave the challenge at a one-day media dialogue on diphtheria in Maiduguri on Wednesday, with journalists from Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.

The WHO emergency manager for the three states, Beatrice Muraguri, urged the media to intensify public awareness on preventive measures against diphtheria and other preventable diseases during the rainy season.

Ms Muraguri said the call became necessary because of the recent suspected cases of diphtheria in Yobe.

She added that “we don’t have cases in Borno and Adamawa. We want you to use the skills learnt to pass the message on preventive measures and what the public needs to do regarding any outbreak.

“We all know that prevention is better than cure, and information is very vital.”

Diphtheria is a bacterial disease that can spread through direct contact or the air, particularly through coughing and sneezing.

Symptoms of the disease, which mostly affects children, include sore throat, fever, swollen lymph, and weakness, while preventive measures include widespread immunisation. 

(NAN)