The NCDC disclosed this in a public health advisory signed
by its Director General, Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, issued on Friday 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 read in part, “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.
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