Mirian Gom 
GOMBE, Nigeria – Diphtheria cases in Gombe State are increasing among children aged between four and 15 years, prompting health authorities to urge parents to seek immediate medical attention for children showing symptoms and to ensure routine immunisation is up to date.
The warning comes from Gombe State Epidemiologist, Dr Nuhu Bile, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday. He says the recent increase in infections may be linked to gaps in childhood vaccination coverage.
“We have seen an upsurge in diphtheria cases among children aged four to 15 years; this may be linked to gaps in immunisation coverage, which could have left some children vulnerable to the disease,” Bile says.
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that primarily affects the nose and throat. While it can be treated with medication, severe cases may damage the heart, kidneys and nervous system and can become fatal, particularly in children.
Bile advises parents to take any child with fever and difficulty swallowing to the nearest healthcare facility without delay for proper diagnosis and treatment.
He notes that children below the age of one have largely been spared in the recent outbreak but stresses that parents should continue to adhere strictly to routine immunisation schedules.
According to the epidemiologist, all secondary healthcare facilities across Gombe State provide free treatment for diphtheria, making early presentation critical for successful treatment and preventing further transmission within communities.
Bile emphasises that routine vaccination before a child’s first birthday remains the most effective way to prevent diphtheria and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
He says the state government has intensified community awareness campaigns to educate residents about diphtheria symptoms, prevention and the importance of seeking prompt medical care.
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Hope Ajayi 
