…As NCDC keeps Nigerians on serious alert
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- Pix(above): Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, DG, NCDC
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised an alert on the heels of reported outbreak of diphtheria cases in Lagos and Kano States, amidst monitoring of the situation in Osun and Yobe States where cases are now being reported.
The NCDC disclosed this in a public health advisory signed by its Director General, Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, issued on Friday, January 20, 2023, amidst the outbreak of the disease in the country.
The agency said in addition to clinically suspected cases, there have been laboratory-confirmed cases and it is working with state ministries of health and partners to enhance surveillance and response to the outbreak.
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 advisory reads inter alia: “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.
Causes of Diphtheria
A type of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae causes it. This bacteria is unique because it makes a toxin that kills your cells. That makes diphtheria deadlier than some other types of bacterial infections.
The bacteria usually spreads through droplets that fly out of your nose or mouth when you sneeze or cough.
Some people also catch diphtheria by touching an infected person’s used hand towels, tissues, or any of their other things around the house that might hold the bacteria.
You could get diphtheria by touching an infected person’s open sore or ulcer, too.
People with diphtheria are highly contagious until 48 hours after they start getting antibiotic treatment.
It’s also possible to get the bacteria from someone who’s infected but doesn’t have any symptoms. Doctors call this person a “carrier.” Carriers can spread the infection to others for up to 4 weeks.
Symptoms of Diphtheria
When the diphtheria bacteria grows in the moist inner lining of your nose and throat, it begins to make large amounts of a toxin. This toxin kills your cells and creates a thick gray coating – called a pseudomembrane – from dead cells, bacteria, waste products, and proteins.
This thick substance can coat your nasal tissues, tonsils, voice box, and the rest of your throat. It’s the most distinct symptom of diphtheria, and it can make it hard for you to breathe and swallow.
From your throat, the toxin can get into your bloodstream and cause lots of damage to other tissues and organs throughout your body./SHARE THIS
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