The Ondo state government has declared that there is no case of anthrax or diphtheria in the state.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Awolowo Ajaka, while clearing the air on the diseases said there has been no cases of the ailments recorded so far.
He said, however, that the Ministry of Health is not taking any chances as it is collaborating with the veterinary department in the Ministry of Agriculture to conduct active surveillance on these diseases.
The commissioner during the weekly Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) meeting stated that although suspected cases had been reported, all tests carried out came back negative.
He urged health workers in the state to remain vigilant and maintain high suspicion levels when treating patients to prevent any possible outbreak in the state.
Citizens, especially livestock farmers, have been advised to report promptly any illnesses or deaths occurring on their farms while also cautioning them against coming in contact with sick or dead animals around this period.
Dr Ajaka emphasised that the ministry is actively conducting surveillance through Disease Surveillance Officers (DSMO) stationed across all 18 local government areas in the state while promising that active surveillance would continue until measures are put into place to curtail bacterial infections caused by anthrax and diphtheria.
He noted that anthrax infection could occur as skin, lungs, intestinal or injection forms symptom onset usually begins between one day and more than two months after contracting an infection. Therefore, it is imperative for everyone to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to avoid any potential outbreaks.
The commissioner urged citizens to cooperate with health officials and report any suspicious cases immediately while adhering strictly to safety guidelines issued by relevant authorities to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all residents of Ondo state.
