The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has
confirmed cases of diphtheria in Kano and Lagos states.
This is even as the centre said it was monitoring the
situation in Yobe and Osun states where cases were being picked up.
Here are the 10 things you need to know about diphtheria
disease:
1. Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by the
bacterium called Corynebacterium species that affects the nose, throat, and
sometimes, skin of an individual.
2. Diphtheria spreads easily between people through direct
contact with infected people droplets from coughing or sneezing, and contact
with contaminated clothing and objects.
3 . People most at risk include children and adults who have
not received any dose of the pentavalent vaccine, people who live in areas with
poor sanitation, people who live in a crowded environment, and healthcare
workers exposed to suspected or confirmed cases of the disease.
4. The onset of signs of the disease usually starts after
two to 10 days of exposure to the bacteria.
5. 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.
6. Complications from diphtheria include airway blockage,
damage to the heart muscle, nerve damage, and kidney failure. However, for some
people, respiratory diphtheria can lead to death.
7. To prevent it, the Nigeria childhood immunisation
schedule recommends three doses of pentavalent vaccine (diphtheria
toxoid-containing vaccine) for children in the sixth, 10th, and 14th week of
life.
8. Diphtheria treatment involves using diphtheria antitoxin
to stop the bacteria toxin from damaging the body and using antibiotics to kill
and get rid of the bacteria. The treatment usually lasts for two to three
weeks.
9. Poor immunisation coverage can lead to a resurgence of
the disease. Therefore, parents must ensure that their children are fully
vaccinated against diphtheria with three doses of the pentavalent vaccine as
recommended in the childhood immunisation schedule.
10. Individuals with signs and symptoms suggestive of
diphtheria should isolate themselves and notify the Local Government Area
authorities, state disease surveillance officer, or the NCDC through our
toll-free line (6232).
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