The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has alerted Nigerians over the reported cases of diphtheria in Lagos and Kano states.

The NCDC, in a public health advisory signed by its Director-General, Dr Ifedayo Adetifa, on Friday, said the agency is also monitoring the situation in Osun and Yobe states.

It, however, urged healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion for diphtheria by being vigilant and looking out for symptoms of the infection.

The NCDC also enjoined Nigerians to ensure that their wards are fully vaccinated against diphtheria with three doses of the pentavalent vaccine as recommended in the country’s childhood immunisation schedule.

The agency noted that Kano State has 78 suspected cases of the highly contagious bacterial infection in 14 Local Government Areas of the state.

The state government, however, said 27 samples had been taken to the laboratory out of which eight were confirmed positive and three deaths were registered in the state.

The NCDC stated that diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium called Corynebacterium species that affects the nose, throat, and sometimes, skin of an individual.

The NCDC listed the symptoms of diphtheria to include fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, red eyes (conjunctivitis), and neck swelling.

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“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 added.

The agency added that it is monitoring the situation in Osun and Yobe states where cases were now being picked up.

“Data from the Kano State Ministry of Health revealed that the diphtheria outbreak has so far killed 25 people with 58 suspected cases and six persons on admission,” it said.

The NCDC said in addition to clinically suspected cases, there have been laboratory-confirmed cases, adding that it is working with state ministries of health and partners to enhance surveillance and response to the outbreak.

It said people most at risk of contracting diphtheria are children and adults who have not received any or a single dose of the pentavalent vaccine (a diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine).

Others are people who live in a crowded environment, people who live in areas with poor sanitation and healthcare workers, and those who are exposed to suspected/confirmed cases of diphtheria.

The NCDC noted that diphtheria spreads easily between people through, direct contact with infected people, droplets from coughing or sneezing, and contact with contaminated clothing and objects.

“Individuals with signs and symptoms suggestive of diphtheria were also advised to isolate themselves and notify the local government area, state disease surveillance officer (DSNO) or the NCDC,” the agency added.

The Star