The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has said it has received reports of diphtheria cases in Lagos and Kano states and is currently watching the situation in Osun and Yobe States where cases are rising by the day.
The NCDC announced this in a public health advisory signed by its Director General, Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, issued on Friday amidst the outbreak of the disease in the country.
The body also stated that it is working toe to toe with various state ministries of health in order to properly monitor the situation and curb the disease to avoid a degenerating situation.
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium called Corynebacterium species that affects the nose, throat, and sometimes, skin of an individual.
The advisory read in part, “People most at risk of contracting diphtheria: 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.
Diphtheria spreads easily between people through direct contact with infected people, droplets from coughing or sneezing, and contact with contaminated clothing and objects.
The onset of signs and symptoms usually starts after two to 10 days of exposure to the bacteria. Symptoms of diphtheria 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.
It said the Nigeria childhood immunization schedule recommends three doses of pentavalent vaccine for children in the first sixth to 10th and 14th-week of life.
The NCDC also advised healthcare workers to pay serious attention to diphtheria and individuals with symptoms similar that of diphtheria to isolate themselves and notify their local government area, state disease surveillance officer, or the NCDC.
Close contacts with a confirmed case of diphtheria should be closely monitored given antibiotics prophylaxis and started on diphtheria antitoxin treatment when indicated.
All healthcare workers (doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, support staff, etc.) with higher exposure to cases of diphtheria should be vaccinated against diphtheria,” it added.
