Nigeria has experienced a concerning surge in diphtheria cases, with a total of 836 confirmed cases and 80 deaths recorded between May and June 2023.
This alarming data was revealed in the diphtheria situation report released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Saturday, according to a Premium Times report.
The confirmed cases were spread across 33 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in seven states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
During the two-month period under review, the NCDC received reports of 2,455 suspected cases from 24 states. Among the confirmed cases, a significant 71.5 per cent occurred among children aged 2 to 14 years, raising concerns about the vulnerability of younger populations to the disease.
Diphtheria, which is a vaccine-preventable disease, has garnered attention due to the low vaccination rates. The NCDC’s report highlighted that out of the 836 confirmed cases, only 181 individuals (21.7 per cent) had been fully vaccinated with a “diphtheria toxin-containing vaccine.”
Kano Worst Affected
According to the situation report, Kano state accounted for 819 confirmed cases out of the total 836 cases.
Although the exact figure of cases in Kano were not stated, the report however says that Kano, Yobe, Katsina, Lagos, the FCT, Sokoto, and Zamfara states also accounted for 98.0 per cent of suspected cases.
Also, while Kano topped, Lagos State came second on the chart with eight cases, followed by Yobe and Katsina states with three and two cases respectively.
The FCT, Osun, Kaduna and Cross River states recorded a single case each.
What is Diphtheria?
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that mainly affects the throat and nose. It is caused by a specific bacterium called Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The infection can lead to the formation of a thick, grayish-white coating in the back of the throat, making it difficult to breathe and swallow.
Diphtheria spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets, usually when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also be transmitted by touching objects or surfaces contaminated with the bacteria.
Prevention
Premium Times reported that to prevent the disease, the NCDC urged parents to ensure that their children are fully vaccinated against diphtheria with three doses of the pentavalent vaccine as recommended in the childhood immunisation schedule.
It added that healthcare workers should be vigilant and look out for symptoms of diphtheria, and individuals with signs and symptoms suggestive of diphtheria should isolate themselves and notify their local government area’s state disease surveillance officer.
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