The Health Commissioner of Gombe State, Dr. Habu Dahiru, has announced that the state’s Public Health Emergency Operations Centre is now on alert due to confirmed and suspected cases of diphtheria in Herwagana Ward.
Diphtheria, caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, is a preventable disease known for severe throat and respiratory infections that can be fatal if not treated.
Dr. Dahiru revealed that the state has identified one confirmed case and three suspected cases of diphtheria. He emphasized the importance of vaccines in preventing diphtheria, especially emphasizing their availability for children at Primary Health Centres throughout Gombe State.
Dr. Dahiru urged parents and guardians to ensure their children receive timely vaccination to protect them from this potentially deadly illness.
Moreover, the commissioner stressed the need for increased awareness and proactive measures to control the spread of diphtheria in the affected areas.
He highlighted a concerning case where an unvaccinated child contracted diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus—a combination preventable through the pentavalent vaccine, which is administered three separate times to safeguard against serious childhood diseases.
He elaborated , “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.”
