The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for regular health screenings of passengers arriving at Sam Mbakwe Airport to help curb the spread of a diphtheria outbreak in Imo State.
Diphtheria, a contagious bacterial infection affecting the nose, throat, and sometimes the skin, has recently caused concern in the region. The first case was reported in Mbutu, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area. The disease spreads through respiratory droplets or direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces, with an incubation period ranging from two to ten days.
According to UNICEF, the outbreak has already resulted in 10 fatalities, with 79 suspected and 7 confirmed cases recorded. Without prompt treatment, diphtheria can lead to severe complications and death in about one in ten cases.
UNICEF is working closely with the Nigerian government to manage the outbreak through case management, infection control, reactive vaccination, risk communication, and community engagement. “The situation is urgent. We must act swiftly to prevent this from becoming a national disaster,” said Akinleye, a UNICEF representative.
Vaccination efforts have been ramped up, with over 4,000 people vaccinated in the affected council areas, including Aboh Mbaise, Ahiazu Mbaise, Owerri North, and Owerri Municipal. Treatment centers have been established at Primary Health Centres in Mbutu and Aboh General Hospital, with additional vaccine doses supplied to maintain the response.
UNICEF’s Communications Officer, Dr. Ijeoma Onuoha-Ogwe, praised the Imo Ministry of Health for their efforts and urged the media to increase public awareness on preventive measures. Meanwhile, UNICEF’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Specialist, Mrs. Rebekah Gabriel, emphasized the importance of regular handwashing with soap and water and called for collaboration with traditional leaders to enhance grassroots sensitization.
Travelers through Owerri airport should expect health screenings and cooperate with health officials. The public is encouraged to practice good hygiene and support vaccination campaigns to help contain the outbreak.
