Diphtheria Outbreak: NCDC confirms 789 cases, 80 deaths in eight states

As of June 30, the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reported 789 cases of diphtheria in Nigeria.

The nose, throat, and occasionally the skin of a person are all affected by the bacterial infection known as diphtheria, which is brought on by the corynebacterium species.

Fever, a runny nose, a sore throat, a cough, red eyes, neck swelling, and breathing difficulties are a few diphtheria symptoms.

The Nigerian childhood vaccination schedule advises giving children three doses of pentavalent vaccine (vaccine including diphtheria toxoid) between the sixth and fourteenth week of life in order to prevent infection.

The agency said cases had been reported in 33 LGAs in eight states, including the federal capital territory (FCT), Kano, Lagos, Yobe, Katsina, Cross River, Kaduna, and Osun.

The majority of cases were reported in Kano, and children between the ages of two and 14 made up 71.7% of the confirmed cases.

80 fatalities in all have been reported thus far among all confirmed cases.

Despite a safe and affordable diphtheria vaccination being available in the nation, the NCDC reported that 82% of the 798 confirmed cases of the disease were unvaccinated.

According to the organisation, a multi-sectoral national diphtheria technical working group was established in response to the outbreak as a means of coordinating surveillance and response efforts across the nation.

For the first time in more than 20 years, the afflicted states received diphtheria antitoxin (DAT) from within the nation, according to the NCDC.

The organisation suggested that parents make sure their kids receive the entire course of diphtheria vaccinations.

“Individuals with signs and symptoms suggestive of diphtheria should 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,” the statement reads.

“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.”

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