The Gombe State Epidemiologist, Dr Nuhu Bile, has urged parents to remain vigilant and seek prompt medical attention for children following an increase in reported diphtheria cases in the state.
Bile said the recent cases involved children aged between four and 15 years, noting that gaps in immunisation coverage may have left some children vulnerable to the disease.
He advised parents to take children who develop symptoms such as fever and difficulty swallowing to the nearest healthcare facility for proper assessment and treatment. He stressed that early presentation was important for effective management and preventing further spread.
According to him, diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that can affect the nose and throat and, in severe cases, damage the heart, kidneys and nervous system. The disease can also be life-threatening, particularly in children.
Bile said all secondary healthcare facilities across Gombe provide free treatment for diphtheria cases, urging parents to take advantage of the services and avoid delays when symptoms appear.
He also called on parents to ensure their children receive routine vaccinations, particularly before the age of one, describing immunisation as a critical tool for preventing diphtheria and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
The epidemiologist added that the state government had intensified community awareness campaigns on diphtheria symptoms, prevention and the importance of early treatment.
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