The Gombe State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, has announced that the state’s Public Health Emergency Operations Centre is on high alert following confirmed and suspected cases of diphtheria in Herwagana Ward, Gombe.
Diphtheria, a vaccine-preventable disease caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, poses a significant threat to public health. If left untreated, it can lead to severe throat and respiratory infections, and even death.
According to Dr. Dahiru, the state has recorded three suspected cases and one confirmed case of diphtheria. He emphasized that
vaccines are readily available at Primary Health Centres across Gombe State, particularly for children.The commissioner urged parents and guardians to ensure prompt vaccination of their children to protect them from this potentially fatal disease. He also called for heightened awareness and proactive measures to contain the spread of diphtheria in the affected areas.
Notably, the confirmed case involved a child who had not received the pentavalent vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, and other childhood killer diseases. Dr. Dahiru stressed the importance of immunization in preventing such cases.”
