People At Risk Of Contracting Diphtheria Disease Revealed

Following the identification of a bacterial illness, known as diphtheria sickness, in Lagos and Kano State, concerns have been raised.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) confirmed the discovery of the reportedly serious disease in a statement issued on Friday morning, noting that it has responded to cases in the mentioned states while other states are currently been monitored.

According to the NCDC Director General, Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, the agency is closely monitoring Diphtheria in Osun and Yobe States where cases are now being picked up.

In the Friday morning advisory, Adetifa said in addition to clinically suspected cases, there have been laboratory-confirmed cases and it is working with state ministries of health and partners to enhance surveillance and response to the outbreak.

According to Jevibe News, Diphtheria is a dangerous bacterial infection that affects a person’s nose, throat, and occasionally skin. It is brought on by the bacterium Corynebacterium species.

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 People At Risk Of Contracting Diphtheria Disease Revealed

According to the NCDC health advisory, “People most at risk of contracting diphtheria: Children and adults who have not received any or a single dose of the pentavalent vaccine (a vaccine that contains diphtheria toxoid); 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.

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“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.”

Adetifa added that the Nigeria childhood immunization schedule recommends three doses of pentavalent vaccine for children in the sixth to 10th and 14th weeks of life.

In addition, the NCDC recommended that people with diphtheria symptoms separate themselves and contact their local government, the state disease monitoring officer, or the NCDC. It also asked healthcare professionals to keep a high index of suspicion for diphtheria.

“Close contacts with a confirmed case of diphtheria should be thoroughly followed and provided antibiotic prophylaxis, as well as diphtheria antitoxin therapy when necessary.

“All healthcare employees (doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, support staff, etc.) with increased exposure to cases of diphtheria should be immunized against diphtheria,” it was further said.