Abia State Government has issued a caution to residents of the state following the outbreak of diphtheria in its neighbouring Imo State.
In an urgent health advisory, The state Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, said the advice became imperative as “Imo State is our neighbour, Imo is contagious to Abia State.”
NATIONAL POST reports that the Imo State Government last week confirmed an outbreak of diphtheria in the state.
Six lives have already been lost.
Reacting, the Abia government after its State Executive Council meeting said, “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.
“Like they say, prevention is better than cure. Consequently, Abians are advised to ensure they take some preventive measures.
“These preventive measures will entail: number one, vaccination for children and vaccination for adults who are not sure of their health status or diphtheria status. 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.
“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.
“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.
“If you must travel to or from an affected area, please ensure that your vaccination status is up to date.”
Meanwhile, a statement from the Imo State Ministry of Health, signed by its Commissioner, Chioma Egu, disclosed that a number of suspected cases of the disease have been identified in Mbutu community, Aboh Mbaise LGA, following laboratory tests.
According to the commissioner, the ministry has activated its rapid response mechanisms to contain the situation. He advised the public to be cautious of social contact.
Findings show that the disease has already claimed six lives in the local government, leading to close down of public and private schools.