Okpebholo urges Edo residents to remain calm amid crisis

The Edo State government has addressed the health emergency of the spread of Diphtheria in the state.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the governor revealed that he had activated an emergency public health response to ensure the arrest of the disease.

The governor also deployed doses of anti-diphtheria vaccines to the University of Benin teaching hospital which recorded two deaths last week due to the disease.

Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary of the state, said that hospitals have been alerted of the situation, and that the state is aware of the disease outbreak.

“Government wishes to inform the general public that it is fully aware of the recent outbreak of Diphtheria reported in certain parts of the State. In response, the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo has activated an emergency public health response, deploying all necessary resources and expertise to arrest the situation and safeguard the health of residents,” the statement reads.

The governor also assured the citizens that the situation was under control, while urging them to remain calm.

“Hospitals across the State have been placed on high alert and instructed to intensify case detection, prompt isolation. And proper clinical management of suspected cases in accordance with national and international guidelines. The government assures the public that there is no cause for panic. The situation is under control, and all necessary protocols are being enforced to prevent further spread. Edo State has a strong track record in managing public health emergencies. This instance is no exception,” the statement reads.