The Ekiti State Government has urged residents to remain vigilant and strictly adhere to preventive measures against diphtheria, following a surge in cases across the country.
Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, stated that although no confirmed cases have been reported in Ekiti this year, the advisory is part of proactive efforts to keep the state free from the infectious disease through surveillance, vaccination, and public sensitization.
“Diphtheria spreads through direct contact, respiratory droplets, or contaminated surfaces,” Filani said in a statement issued Monday night in Ado Ekiti. He listed common symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough, red eyes, swollen neck, and a thick grey or white coating in the throat or tonsils that may cause breathing difficulty.
Filani emphasized the importance of full vaccination, particularly the pentavalent vaccine at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age, in line with national immunization guidelines. He warned against self-medication and encouraged prompt medical attention for anyone showing symptoms.
Citing over 30,000 cases and around 1,400 deaths reported in 27 Nigerian states by mid-2025, Filani described diphtheria as a serious and highly contagious bacterial infection, especially dangerous for unvaccinated children, healthcare workers, and people in overcrowded or unsanitary conditions.
He assured residents that the state, in collaboration with federal health authorities and partners, is scaling up preparedness and response efforts. Health workers have been placed on alert, and communities are advised to report suspected cases to health authorities for swift action, including isolation, antibiotic treatment, and antitoxin administration where necessary.
