Nigeria confirms the outbreak of Diphtheria, an infection affecting the nose and throat. As per the report 25 people, most of them children, have died so far in Kano state, North-West Nigeria.
The Nigeria Center For Disease Control (NCDC) issues a health advisory against Diphtheria on Monday Morning. The Authority stated that not less than 25 people have died so far in North-West Nigeria.
Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, the agency’s head, announced: “that it has initiated an emergency response to the outbreak and is monitoring the situation in four of the nation’s 36 states”.
What is Diphtheria?
Diphtheria is an infection caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Signs and symptoms usually start 2 – 5 days after exposure and range from mild to severe. Symptoms often come on gradually, beginning with a sore throat and fever.
In severe cases, the bacteria produces a poison (toxin) that causes a thick grey or white patch at the back of throat. This can block the airway making it hard to breathe or swallow and also create a barking cough.
The neck may swell in part due to enlarged lymph nodes. The poison may also get into the blood stream causing complications that may include inflammation and damage of the heart muscle, inflammation of nerves, kidney problems, and bleeding problems due to low blood platelets.
How does it spread?
Diphtheria spreads easily between people by direct contact or through the air though respiratory droplets, like from coughing or sneezing. It may also be spread by contaminated clothing and objects.
How to diagnose Diphtheria?
Clinical diagnosis of diphtheria usually relies on the presence of a greyish membrane covering the throat. Although laboratory investigation of suspected cases is recommended for case confirmation, treatment should be started immediately.
Is Diphtheria treatable?
Diphtheria infection is treated with the administration of a diphtheria antitoxin, administered intravenously or through an intramuscular injection. Antibiotics are also given to eliminate the bacteria and toxin production, and to prevent transmission to others.
Are vaccines available?
All children worldwide should be immunized against diphtheria. A 3-dose primary series during infancy is the foundation for building lifelong immunity to diphtheria.
Further, immunization programmes should ensure that 3 booster doses of diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine are provided during childhood and adolescence.
At any age those who are unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated against diphtheria should receive the doses necessary to complete their vaccination.