The director of public health at the Edo Ministry of Health, Stephenson Ojeifo, says the state recorded two deaths from diphtheria disease between January and August.

Mr Ojeifo disclosed in an interview with journalists in Benin on Monday that the two deaths were from the six confirmed cases of diphtheria recorded during the same period.

“We have recorded 20 suspected cases of the disease from January to August. Out of these, six were confirmed positive, and two mortalities were recorded.

“Diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable disease and we are urging mothers and caregivers to ensure their children are vaccinated.

“The vaccine is free, and vaccination protects our children against preventable diseases, which can cause death,” he said.

Mr Ojeifo attributed the deaths to the late presentation of the affected children to the hospital for treatment.

“It is a sad occurrence for the state, and there is a need for timely visits to hospital when children, including adults, are sick, instead of resorting to self-medication,” he further said.

He also disclosed that the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) had provided the state with diphtheria antitoxins, which were used on patients who came early for treatment.

Mr Ojeifo said the antitoxins were not sold in the market, but the state secured some from the NCDC, adding that the ministry still had some in stock.

He said the state does not have any suspected active cases of the disease presently.

According to the World Health Organisation, diphtheria is a contagious disease caused by a bacterium that affects the upper respiratory tract and, less often, the skin.

Its common symptoms include fever, sore throat and swelling of the neck glands.

(NAN)