The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a public health advisory in response to a recent outbreak of diphtheria in the country.
The NCDC has confirmed reports of diphtheria cases in Lagos and Kano states and is closely monitoring the situation in Osun and Yobe States where additional cases have been reported.
According to the advisory, which was signed by NCDC Director General Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, the agency is working closely with state-level health ministries and partners to enhance surveillance and response efforts. In addition to clinically suspected cases, the NCDC has also reported laboratory-confirmed cases of diphtheria.
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by the Corynebacterium species. It affects the nose, throat and sometimes the skin of an individual. The NCDC urges the public to be vigilant and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves against this disease.
The advisory read in part, “People most at risk of contracting diphtheria: Children and adults who have not received any or a single dose of the pentavalent vaccine (a diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine); 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.
“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.”
It said the Nigeria childhood immunisation schedule recommends three doses of pentavalent vaccine for children in the sixth to 10th and 14th-week of life.
The NCDC also advised healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion for diphtheria and individuals with signs and symptoms suggestive of diphtheria to isolate themselves and notify the local government area, state disease surveillance officer, or the NCDC.
“Close contacts with a confirmed case of diphtheria should be closely monitored given antibiotics prophylaxis and started on diphtheria antitoxin treatment when indicated.
“All healthcare workers (doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, support staff, etc.) with higher exposure to cases of diphtheria should be vaccinated against diphtheria,” it added.
