Wilson Adekumola
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has outlined causes and preventions of diphtheria cases as Lagos and Kano were listed among states the cases are being picked up.
The Director-general of the NCDC, Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa said in a statement that there clinically suspected cases and there have been laboratory-confirmed.
Other states listed to be diphtheria-affected include Osun and Yobe States.
Diphtheria is described as serious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium called Corynebacterium species that affect the nose, throat and sometimes, skin of an individual.
It was reported that the transmission of Diphtheria spreads easily between people through direct contact with infected people: droplets from coughing or sneezing: contact with contaminated clothing and objects.
It is said the onset signs and symptoms usually shows after 2 to 10 days of exposure to the bacteria. Symptoms of Diphtheria include: red eyes (conjunctivitis), neck swelling. In severe case, a thick grey or white patch appears on the tonsils and/or at the back of the throat associated with difficulty breathing.
NCDC explained that to prevent the disease, Nigeria childhood immunization schedule recommends three doses of pentavalent vaccine (diphtheria toxoid containing vaccine) are recommended for children in the 6th, 10th and 14th week of life.
It also urged Nigerians to maintain good personal and environmental sanitation and hygiene especially those in crowded environments.
The NCDC note that to reduce the risk of diphtheria, parents should ensure that their children are fully vaccinated against diphtheria with three doses of the pentavalent vaccine as recommended in the childhood immunization schedule” Healthcare workers should maintain a high index of suspicion for diphtheria, that is, be vigilant and look out for symptoms of diphtheria.
It said, “Others , individual with signs and symptoms suggestive of diphtheria should isolate themselves and notify the local government area, state disease surveillance officer or the NCDC through contacts with a confirmed case of diphtheria should be solely monitored given antibiotics prophylaxis and started on diphtheria antitoxin treatment when indicated: All healthcare workers, that is, doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, support staff,etc. with higher exposure to cases of diphtheria should be vaccinated against diphtheria.
