The Gombe State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, has announced that the state’s Public Health Emergency Operations Centre is on alert due to confirmed and suspected cases of diphtheria in Herwagana Ward, Gombe.
Diphtheria, caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, is a vaccine-preventable disease known for severe throat and respiratory infections that can be fatal if untreated. Dr. Dahiru reported that the state has identified three suspected cases and one confirmed case of diphtheria.
He emphasized that vaccines for preventing diphtheria, particularly for children, are available at Primary Health Centres throughout Gombe State. Dr. Dahiru urged parents and guardians to ensure their children are promptly vaccinated to protect them from this potentially deadly disease.
“The confirmed case indicated the affected child had not been immunized against Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus, which are covered by a single vaccine,”
Dr. Dahiru said. “This vaccine, known as the pentavalent vaccine, is administered three times to protect against these childhood killer diseases.”
He also called for increased awareness and proactive measures to control the spread of diphtheria in the affected areas.
