The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Oshiomhole, disclosed the development during an emergency response meeting held on Tuesday in Benin City. He said the outbreak followed laboratory confirmation of five cases at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), two of which proved fatal.
The emergency meeting brought together representatives from the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, local health institutions, and other key partners responding to the escalating public health concern.
Dr Oshiomhole described the situation as deeply troubling, warning that diphtheria, a highly contagious bacterial infection of the nose and throat, could cause severe complications or death if not addressed promptly.
