By; AMOS TAUNA, Kaduna
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has enjoined healthcare workers to be vigilant and look out for symptoms of diphtheria by maintaining a high index of suspicion for diphtheria.
Dr Ifedayo Adetifa, Director-General, NCDC, in a public advisory issued on Thursday, assured that the centre has responded to reports of diphtheria cases in Lagos and Kano states.
According to him, in Osun and Yobe states, the NCDC is also monitoring the situation where cases are now being picked up.
The diphtheria outbreak has so far killed 25 people with 58 suspected cases and six persons on admission according to data revealed from the Kano State Ministry of Health.
The Director-General of NCDC explained that the disease affects the nose, throat and sometimes, skin of an individual, saying that diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium called Corynebacterium species.
The symptoms of diphtheria, according to him 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, in severe cases, ” he added.
He said that the NCDC is working with state ministries of health and partners to enhance surveillance and response to the outbreak, stressing that there have been laboratory-confirmed cases.
He said People mostly at risk of contracting diphtheria, he explained are children and adults who have not received any or a single dose of the pentavalent vaccine (a diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine), people who live in a crowded environment, people who live in areas with poor sanitation and healthcare workers and others who are exposed to suspected/confirmed cases of diphtheria.
He further explained that diphtheria spreads easily between people and could be through direct contact with infected people, droplets from coughing or sneezing, and contact with contaminated clothing and objects.
He advised parents to ensure their children are fully vaccinated against diphtheria with three doses of the pentavalent vaccine as recommended in the childhood immunisation schedule in order to stay clear of the disease.
Individuals are advised to isolate themselves and notify the local government area, state disease surveillance officer (DSNO) or the NCDC with signs and symptoms suggestive of diphtheria.
