Panic In Abia After Diphtheria Breaks Out In Imo

There is a breakout of Diphtheria disease in Imo, and now, the news is sending out panic waves in nearby Abia State.

It has even made the Abia State Government to send out an urgent health advisory.

“There is need for Abians to take preventive measures to ensure that, even if the disease spreads to the state, it will not cause much damage”, Abia state Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, has saidm.

Kanu, while briefing journalists the outcome of the state’s Executive Council meeting, added:

“Like they say, prevention is better than cure. Consequently, Abians are advised to ensure they take some preventive measures.

“These preventive measures will entail:

1. Number one, vaccination for children and vaccination for adults who are not sure of their health status or diphtheria status.
2. Number two will be that parents must be very vigilant during this period to ensure that any child who shows any symptom or onset of the disease is taken to the hospital immediately.
3. There is a need for good hygiene during this period, good hygiene practices, and this entails washing of hands frequently with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing, or handling or touching potentially contaminated materials” ,the commissioner stated.
4. Abians are advised cover their mouths or noses when coughing.
5. People should avoid close contact with individuals who are sick or show any symptoms of sickness. According to him, community vigilance is required at this time.
6. Citizens are advised to report any suspected cases of diphtheria to local health authorities within their vicinity or, better said, to the State Ministry of Health. Community leaders, religious leaders, teachers, and school authorities, as well as royal fathers, should help to disseminate this important information.

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Travel Precautions

Speaking on travel precautions to avoid contacting or spreading Diptheria, Kanu said,

“If you must travel to or from an affected area, please ensure that your vaccination status is up to date:, adding that the Federal Ministry of Health has declared the state free of river blindness after 30 years of mass drug administration to control the disease.

“With this declaration, Abia State has left the list of states where the disease was endemic for years”.