Individuals who have come in close contact with a confirmed case of diphtheria should be closely monitored.
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has disclosed that there were 789 cases of diphtheria in Nigeria as of June 30.
So far, a total of 80 deaths have been recorded among all confirmed cases.
Nigeria is in the midst of an outbreak of Diphtheria, a bacterial infection caused by the corynebacterium species that affect the nose, throat, and sometimes, skin of an individual,
Some symptoms of diphtheria include fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, red eyes, neck swelling, and difficulty in breathing.
The agency said in a statement issued on Thursday, that cases were recorded in 33 LGAs across Kano, Lagos, Yobe, Katsina, Cross River, Kaduna, Osun and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
However, the highest cases were recorded in Kano, with 71.7 percent among children between the ages of two to 14 years.
The NCDC, however, noted that despite the availability of a safe and cost-effective vaccine for diphtheria in the country, 82 percent of 798 confirmed diphtheria cases were unvaccinated.
The Nigeria childhood immunisation schedule recommends three doses of pentavalent vaccine (diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine) for children in the 6th, 10th and 14th week of life.
NCDC added that it has established a multi-sectoral national diphtheria technical working group as a mechanism for coordinating surveillance and response activities across the country.
It added that for the first time in over two decades, Nigeria procured diphtheria antitoxin (DAT) in-country and distributed it to the affected states and advised parents to ensure that their children are fully vaccinated against disease.
It urged individuals with signs and symptoms suggestive of diphtheria to isolate themselves and notify their LGA, State disease surveillance officer (DSNO), their State Ministry of Health helpline, or the NCDC through our toll-free line on 6232.
“Individuals who have come in close contact with a confirmed case of diphtheria should be closely monitored, given antibiotics prophylaxis, and started on diphtheria treatment when indicated,” statement advised.
Response to FCT Outbreak
A few days ago, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) announced the outbreak of diphtheria infection in Abuja following the death of a four-year-old.
The NCDC said it is working with the FCT health and human services department to implement control measures and avert the further spread of the disease.
“As of 3rd of July 2023, only 1 confirmed case has been detected, with 7 suspected cases testing negative while others are awaiting laboratory results. No other death was recorded apart from the laboratory-confirmed case,” the statement reads.
“We urge the public to remain vigilant and ensure persons with symptoms of diphtheria present early to health facilities for prompt diagnosis and treatment.”