Ekiti urges residents to stay alert as diphtheria cases surge nationwide, despite no local infections yet.
Health officials advise full vaccination, hygiene, and prompt reporting to prevent a potential outbreak.
The Ekiti State Government has issued a public health advisory urging residents to remain alert and follow preventive measures against diphtheria, as confirmed cases continue to rise across the country.
Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani, said although no diphtheria case has been recorded in Ekiti State so far in 2025, the government is stepping up its efforts to keep the state safe through public awareness, routine vaccinations, and proactive health monitoring.
In a statement released Monday night in Ado Ekiti, Filani explained that diphtheria is a contagious bacterial infection that spreads through direct contact with infected persons, respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, and contaminated surfaces.
He listed the symptoms to watch for as including fever, sore throat, cough, runny nose, red eyes (conjunctivitis), neck swelling, and in more severe cases, a thick grey or white patch in the throat or on the tonsils which can make breathing difficult. These symptoms typically appear between two to ten days after exposure.
“We are taking all necessary steps to keep our state safe and urge everyone to take responsibility by ensuring full vaccination and prompt reporting of any suspected symptoms,” Filani said. “Residents should also maintain good hygiene, stay informed, and help raise awareness in their communities.”
He noted that Nigeria has reported over 30,000 suspected diphtheria cases and around 1,400 deaths across 27 states as of mid-2025, prompting the need for increased caution.
Filani described diphtheria as being caused by Corynebacterium species, affecting mostly the nose, throat, and in some cases, the skin. He warned that unvaccinated individuals especially children those living in overcrowded or unhygienic environments, and healthcare workers in contact with infected persons are most at risk.
He assured that Ekiti State, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and international health partners, is intensifying disease surveillance and readiness to respond to any potential outbreak.
“Healthcare professionals across the state have been placed on high alert to detect and respond swiftly to any suspected cases,” he said.
Filani also reminded parents and guardians to ensure their children complete the three doses of the pentavalent vaccine at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age, as recommended in the National Childhood Immunization Schedule.
He cautioned against self-medication and advised anyone showing signs of diphtheria to visit the nearest health facility for immediate attention.
In addition, he urged health workers to follow infection control procedures, remain vigilant, and get vaccinated if they are in high-risk environments. He emphasized that any suspected cases must be isolated and reported to Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs), while close contacts of confirmed cases should be monitored, offered preventive antibiotics, and treated with diphtheria antitoxin when necessary.
