The Gombe State Epidemiologist, Dr Nuhu Bile, has urged parents and caregivers to remain vigilant and seek prompt medical attention for children amid reported cases of diphtheria in the state.
Bile made the call inRising an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Gombe on Friday, stressing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in preventing complications and further transmission of the disease.
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that primarily affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. If left untreated or allowed to progress, the disease can cause serious complications, including damage to the heart, kidneys and nervous system, and can be fatal, particularly among children.
According to Bile, recent cases recorded in Gombe have mainly affected children between four and 15 years of age.
“We have seen an upsurge in diphtheria cases among children aged four to 15 years; this may be linked to gaps in immunization coverage, which could have left some children vulnerable to the disease,” he said.
The epidemiologist urged parents to pay close attention to their children’s health and take them to the nearest healthcare facility if they develop symptoms such as fever and difficulty swallowing.
He stressed that prompt medical attention would improve the chances of effective treatment and help prevent suspected cases from spreading within communities.
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Bile noted that most children below the age of one had not been affected by the recent cases, but warned that parents should not become complacent.
He encouraged families to adhere strictly to routine immunization schedules, particularly ensuring that children receive the recommended vaccines within the appropriate period.
According to him, all secondary healthcare facilities across Gombe State provide free treatment for diphtheria cases.
He therefore urged parents and caregivers to take advantage of the available services rather than delay seeking medical attention when symptoms emerge.
Bile further emphasized the importance of routine vaccination in protecting children against diphtheria and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
He said ensuring that children receive their recommended vaccinations before the age of one would help strengthen their protection against infections and reduce the risk of outbreaks.
The epidemiologist also explained that early presentation of suspected cases was important not only for effective treatment but also for controlling the spread of the disease.
He said the Gombe State Government had intensified community engagement and awareness campaigns to educate residents about diphtheria, its symptoms, prevention and the need for early treatment.
Bile called on parents, community leaders and other stakeholders to support the awareness efforts and encourage families to take immunization and early medical intervention seriously.
NAN
