By Hajara Leman
Gombe State Epidemiologist, Dr Nuhu Bile, has expressed concern over reported cases of diphtheria among children in the state and urged parents to be vigilant.
He made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe on Friday and urged parents to ensure that children received timely medical attention.
NAN reports that diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that usually affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat.
Diphtheria can be treated with medications, but can damage the heart, kidneys and the nervous system in advanced stages. It can also be deadly, especially in children.
The epidemiologist, therefore, said recent diphtheria cases recorded in the state involved children between four and 15 years of age.
He added that “we have seen an upsurge in diphtheria cases among children aged four to 15 years; this may be linked to gaps in immunisation coverage, which could have left some children vulnerable to the disease.”
He advised parents to take any child who develops fever and difficulty swallowing to the nearest healthcare facility for proper assessment and treatment.
He noted that most children below the age of one had not been affected by the recent cases, but stressed the need for continued vigilance and adherence to routine immunisation schedules
According to him, all secondary healthcare facilities across Gombe State provide free treatment for diphtheria cases, making it important for parents to seek medical care as soon as symptoms appear.
Bile explained that early presentation was important in managing suspected cases and preventing the spread of the disease in communities.
He urged parents to ensure children received routine vaccinations before the age of one, stressing that immunisation was critical to preventing vaccine-preventable diseases such as diphtheria.
He said the state government had intensified community engagements to create awareness about diphtheria, its symptoms and the importance of seeking early treatment.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu
