The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has alerted Nigerians on the outbreak of diphtheria, following reported cases of the disease in Lagos and Kano states.
BOblog had reported on Thursday that 15 people died while 78 suspected cases were already recorded as killer disease, diphtheria invaded 14 Local Government Areas in Kano State.
Diphtheria is a serious infection caused by strains of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae that forms toxin in humans. It can lead to difficulty in breathing, heart rhythm problems, and even death.
Risk factors of diphtheria include crowded environments, poor hygiene, and lack of immunization.
The Director-General of NCDC, Dr Ifedayo Adetifa in a public health advisory issued on Friday, revealed that the agency is also monitoring the situation in Osun and Yobe states.
Adetifa urged health workers to maintain a high index of suspicion for diphtheria by being vigilant and looking out for symptoms of the infection.
He advised parents to ensure that their children were fully vaccinated against diphtheria, as three doses of the pentavalent vaccine were recommended in Nigeria's childhood immunisation schedule.
Adetifa confirmed that Kano had recorded 78 suspected cases of the highly contagious bacterial infection in 14 Local Government Areas of the state.
Kano State Epidemiologist, Dr Abdullahi Kauran-Mata had said on Thursday said that out of the 27 samples taken to the laboratory, eight were confirmed positive, while 15 persons had already died.
The DG described diphtheria as a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium called Corynebacterium species that affects the nose, throat and sometimes, skin of an individual.
He said that symptoms include fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, red eyes (conjunctivitis) and neck swelling.
“In severe cases, a thick grey or white patch appears on the tonsils and/or at the back of the throat associated with difficulty breathing,” he added.
Adetifa quoted data from the Kano State Ministry of Health as saying that: "Diphtheria outbreak has so far killed 25 people with 58 suspected cases and six persons on admission."
He disclosed that in addition to clinically suspected cases, there have been laboratory-confirmed cases, saying that NCDC is working with state ministries of health and partners to enhance surveillance and response to the outbreak.
The DG hinted that children and adults who are yet to receive a single dose of the pentavalent vaccine (a diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine) risk contracting diphtheria.
Others are people living in a crowded environment, areas with poor sanitation and healthcare workers and others who are exposed to suspected/confirmed cases of diphtheria.
He stated that diphtheria spreads easily through direct contact with infected people, droplets from coughing or sneezing, and contact with contaminated clothing and objects.
Adetifa advised individuals with signs and symptoms suggestive of diphtheria to isolate themselves and notify the local government area , state disease surveillance officer or the NCDC.
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