Gombe State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre has been placed on high alert following the emergence of confirmed and suspected diphtheria cases in Herwagana Ward, in the State.
According to The PUNCH, the state Commissioner of Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, made this announcement while revealing that three suspected cases and one confirmed case have been identified.
Diphtheria, a vaccine-preventable disease caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, leads to severe throat and respiratory infections and can be fatal if left untreated.
Dahiru emphasized the importance of vaccination, particularly for children, noting that vaccines are readily available at Primary Health Centres throughout Gombe State.
He urged parents and guardians to ensure their children are vaccinated promptly to protect them from this life-threatening disease.
In addressing the situation, Dahiru highlighted the significance of increasing public awareness and implementing proactive measures to curb the spread of diphtheria in the affected region.
He noted, “The confirmed case indicated the affected child had not been immunised against Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus, which come together in one vaccine, preventable through the pentavalent vaccine administered three times to protect against childhood killer diseases.”
