Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Abia State Government, has issued safety guidelines to residents following the outbreak of diphtheria disease in the neighbouring Mbano in Imo State.
Commissioner for Information Prince Okey Kanu, who gave the guidelines while addressing newsmen in Umuahia, said the State Ministry of Health had outlined preventive measures, urging residents to strictly adhere to the guidelines to avoid contracting the infectious disease.
These preventive measures according to him include: vaccination especially for children and adults who are not sure of their diphtheria status; vigilance to detect any child that shows symptoms of the disease; and early medical intervention.
Others include good hygiene practices, community vigilance, and social distancing.
The Commissioner advised citizens to report any suspected case to local health authorities, while urging stakeholders to help disseminate the information about the disease.
Speaking further, the Commissioner disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Health had declared Abia State free of river blindness after 30 years of mass drug administration to control the disease.
He expressed delight that the efforts of Government to eliminate the disease had not been in vain.
