The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC)  said it has taken clinical steps to address laboratory- confirmed cases of diphtheria in Lagos and Kano states and that it is also monitoring the situation in Osun and Yobe states where cases are now being picked up.

The Kano State Government has already confirmed that 25 persons – mostly children – had died as a result of the Diphtheria disease outbreak in the state.

Diphtheria is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium called Corynebacterium species that affects the nose, throat, and sometimes, skin of an individual.

The symptoms include fever, runny nose; sore throat; cough; red eyes (conjunctivitis) and neck swelling.
The NCDC said 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.

A statement signed by the Director General of NCDC, Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa said, “There have been laboratory-confirmed cases and the NCDC is working with State Ministries of Health and partners to enhance surveillance and response to the outbreak.

“This includes keeping the public informed on staying safe at home and in their communities.”

The NCDC 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).

According to the NCDC, other categories of persons at risk of Diphtheria are people who live in a crowded environment, people who live in areas with poor sanitation, healthcare workers and others who are exposed to suspected/confirmed cases of diphtheria.

NCDC further explained the mode of transmission of Diphtheria, saying that it spreads easily between people through direct contact with infected people, droplets from coughing or sneezing and contact with contaminated clothing and objects.

The Centre said that the disease starts with signs and symptoms after two to 10 days of exposure to the bacteria.

On preventive measures, NCDC said Nigeria childhood immunisation schedule recommends three doses of pentavalent vaccine (diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine) for children in the 6th-, 10th- and 14th -week.

To reduce the risk of Diphtheria, the NCDC offers the following advice: Parents should ensure that their children are fully vaccinated against Diphtheria with three doses of the pentavalent vaccine as recommended in the childhood immunisation schedule while healthcare workers should maintain a high index of suspicion for Diphtheria i.e., be vigilant and look out for symptoms of diphtheria.

It also said that individuals with signs and symptoms suggestive of Diphtheria should isolate themselves and notify the local government area (LGA), state disease surveillance officer (DSNO) or the NCDC through its toll-free line (6232).

In addition, NCDC advised that close contacts with a confirmed case of Diphtheria should be closely monitored, given antibiotics prophylaxis and started on diphtheria antitoxin treatment when indicated.

It urged all healthcare workers (doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, support staff etc.) with higher exposure to cases of diphtheria to be vaccinated against diphtheria.