The Abia State Government has issued a public health advisory, following a reported outbreak of diphtheria in the neighbouring Imo.
The State Commissioner for Information, Mr Okey Kanu, announced the advisory on Monday, while briefing newsmen at the Government House, Umuahia on the resolutions of the Monday’s State Executive Council meeting.
Kanu said that the proximity of Imo made Abia vulnerable, and emphasised the importance of preventive action to avert an outbreak in the state.
He urged the people to get vaccinated against the scourge, especially children and individuals, who were not sure of their diphtheria status.
Kanu also charged parents to observe their children closely and report symptoms immediately to healthcare providers.
He emphasised the importance of maintaining good hygiene practices, such as regular hand washing.
The commissioner advised residents to cover their mouths when coughing and avoid close contact with sick individuals.
He further said that the state Ministry of Health had urged residents to report any suspected cases to local health officials, promptly.
The commissioner called on community and religious leaders, teachers, and traditional rulers to help spread the information on the need to prevent an outbreak in the state.
He advised people that would be travelling to affected areas to ensure that their vaccinations were up to date.
In a positive development, Kanu said that the state had been declared free of river blindness after 30 years of treatment efforts.
He described the declaration by the Federal Ministry of Health as a major milestone.
In sports, Kanu said that Abia athletes won 70 medals at the just-concluded National Sports Festival, placing 10th overall.
According to him, the medal tally includes 12 gold, 18 silver, and 40 bronze, marking the state’s best outing in years.
He said the progress reflected growing investment in sports development by the State Government.
Kanu also said that the Ministry of Transport had launched as crackdown on one-way driving in major cities in the state.
He said that the enforcement team for the policy had been mandated to fine offenders heavily and impound vehicles when necessary to restore order.
The commissioner expressed government’s determination to address the menace and ensure road safety for all.
He also urged road users to obey traffic regulations and drive responsibly.
NAN
