The World Health Organisation (WHO) has challenged the media in North East to increase public enlightenment on dangers of diphtheria.

The world body gave the challenge at a one-day media dialogue on diphtheria in Maiduguri on Wednesday with journalists from Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.

The WHO Emergency Manager for the three states, Dr Beatrice Muraguri, urged the media to intensify public awareness on

preventive measures against diphtheria and other preventable diseases during the rainy season.

Muraguri said the call became necessary in view of the recent suspected cases of diphtheria in Yobe.

She added that “we dont have cases in Borno and Adamawa. We want you to use the skills learnt to pass the message on

preventive measures and what the public needs to do regarding any outbreak.

“We all know that prevention is better than care and information is very vital.”

Diphtheria which is a bacterial disease that can spread through

direct contact or through air, particularly from cough and sneezing.

Symptoms of the disease which mostly affect children include sore throat, fever, swollen lymph and weakness,

while preventive measures include widespread immunisation.