Following replies to reports of cases of diphtheria in the states of Lagos and Kano, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued an advisory to Nigerians.
This is stated in a public health alert published on Friday and signed by Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, director-general of the NCDC.
The center, according to the director-general, is also keeping an eye on the conditions in Osun and Yobe.
Adetifa also exhorted medical professionals to keep a high index of suspicion for diphtheria by being alert and on the lookout for the infection's signs.
The center added asked Nigerians to follow the country's childhood immunization schedule and make sure their children receive the recommended three doses of the pentavalent vaccination to properly protect them against diphtheria.
Adetifa reported that 14 local government units in Kano state have 78 suspected cases of the extremely dangerous bacterial infection.
The state government reports that 27 samples were submitted to the lab, of which 8 had positive results confirmed, and that 3 persons passed away in the state.
According to Adetifa, diphtheria is a dangerous bacterial infection that affects a person's nose, throat, and occasionally their skin and is brought on by the bacterium Corynebacterium species.
The NCDC lists fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, red eyes (conjunctivitis), and neck swelling as diphtheria symptoms.
According to him, breathing problems are linked to thick, grey or white patches that develop on the tonsils and/or the back of the throat in more serious cases.
According to him, the agency is also keeping an eye on the situation in the states of Yobe and Osun, where cases are currently being discovered.
According to information from the Kano State Ministry of Health, there are currently 58 suspected cases of diphtheria, 25 fatalities, and six people who have been admitted.
The head of the NCDC stated that in addition to clinically suspected cases, there have also been cases that have been laboratory verified. The NCDC is collaborating with partners and state ministries of health to improve surveillance and response to the outbreak.
Children and adults who have not had any or just one dose of the pentavalent vaccine are those who, according to him, are most at danger of acquiring diphtheria (a diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine).
Others, according to him, include those who work in healthcare, are exposed to suspected or confirmed diphtheria cases, live in crowded conditions, or in places with poor sanitation.
According to the director-general of the NCDC, diphtheria is easily transmitted from one person to another by direct touch with an infected person, droplets from sneezing or coughing, and contact with contaminated objects and clothing.
He added that anyone experiencing symptoms suggestive of diphtheria were recommended to separate themselves and contact the NCDC or the state disease surveillance officer (DSNO) or their local government office.
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