NCDC responds to cases of diphtheria in Lagos, Kano, two others

• Published date: 20 January 2023
• Publication title: Nigeria - The Nation

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) said it has responded to reports of diphtheria cases in Lagos and Kano States while monitoring the situation in Osun and Yobe States where cases are now being picked up.

A statement by the Director-General of the NCDC, Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, explained in addition to clinically suspected cases, there have been laboratory-confirmed cases.

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

Transmission of Diphtheria spreads easily between people through direct contact with infected people; droplets from coughing or sneezing; conntact with contaminated clothing and objects.

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The onset of signs and symptoms usually starts after 2 to 10 days of exposure to the bacteria. Symptoms of diphtheria include; Fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, red eyes (conjunctivitis), 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.

To prevent the disease, the NCDC stressed that the Nigeria childhood immunization schedule recommends three (3) doses of pentavalent vaccine (diphtheria toxoid containing vaccine) are recommended...