Since the outbreak of diphtheria disease in Nigeria recently, more than 38 deaths in four states have been reported with 123 confirmed cases recorded. This was according to the report by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
The rising cases of diphtheria disease is disturbing even far than Corona Virus, COVID19. According to Doctor Usha Anenga, the Chairman Nigeria Medical Association, Benue Branch, at the outbreak of COVID19 the death toll was not as high as this.
Diphtheria disease a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium called Corynebacterium species that affects the nose, throat, and sometimes, skin of an individual which spreads easily between people through direct contact with infected people droplets from coughing or sneezing, and contact with contaminated clothing and objects.
Children and adults are at the higher risk of contracting the disease if they had never received the People most at 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.
Read Also: Youth Group Alleges Benue APC of supporting Herdsmen Attacks in the State
Symptoms
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.
Prevention
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Diphtheria is becoming a fast killer desiring a collective and individual efforts to stop the spread.
