- Only 21.7% of Confirmed Cases Fully Vaccinated, NCDC Issues Preventive Guidelines
By Hauwa Ali, Fatima Saka
In a devastating turn of events, Nigeria is grappling with a severe diphtheria outbreak that has left authorities and healthcare professionals alarmed.
According to the latest report released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Saturday, a staggering 836 cases have been confirmed between May and June 2023.
The outbreak has already claimed the lives of 80 people, raising concerns about the urgent need for intervention and preventive measures.
The diphtheria cases have spread across 33 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in seven states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), signaling the urgency of the situation.
The NCDC revealed that a total of 2,455 suspected cases were reported from 24 states, indicating that the outbreak has not yet been contained.
Disturbingly, despite diphtheria being a vaccine-preventable disease, the NCDC reported that only 181 (21.7%) of the confirmed cases had received a “diphtheria toxin-containing vaccine.” This low vaccination coverage has raised concerns among health authorities, who are emphasizing the critical role of immunization in curbing the spread of the disease.
Kano State appears to be the epicentre of the outbreak, accounting for a staggering 819 confirmed cases out of the total 836.
Lagos State followed with eight cases, while Yobe and Katsina states reported three and two cases, respectively. A single case each was recorded in the FCT, Osun, Kaduna, and Cross River states.
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Diphtheria, caused by the Corynebacterium species, is a serious bacterial infection that affects the nose, throat, and sometimes, the skin. Health officials have pointed out that children and adults who have not been adequately vaccinated are at the highest risk of contracting the disease.
Additionally, those living in crowded environments with poor sanitation and healthcare workers exposed to suspected or confirmed cases are also vulnerable.
The symptoms of diphtheria include fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, red eyes, and neck swelling. In severe cases, a thick grey or white patch may appear on the tonsils and/or at the back of the throat, leading to breathing difficulties. Health authorities are urging individuals experiencing these symptoms to seek immediate medical attention.
To prevent further escalation of the outbreak, the NCDC is emphasizing the crucial role of vaccination. Parents are urged to ensure that their children receive the recommended three doses of the pentavalent vaccine as part of the childhood immunization schedule.
Healthcare workers have been advised to remain vigilant in identifying symptoms, and individuals with signs of diphtheria should isolate themselves and notify their local government area’s state disease surveillance officer promptly.
Diphtheria is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected individuals, coughing, sneezing, and contact with contaminated clothing and objects. As such, health officials are urging the public to practice good personal hygiene, such as frequent handwashing and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
Authorities have called for unity in achieving herd immunity, which helps protect those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons. This collective effort is critical in curbing the spread of the disease and preventing future outbreaks.
As the situation remains critical, the NCDC is closely monitoring the outbreak and working with healthcare professionals to implement necessary preventive measures.
The importance of timely diagnosis and treatment cannot be stressed enough, and the public is urged to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any symptoms associated with diphtheria.
Nigeria stands at a crossroads, and the collective efforts of its people, healthcare workers, and authorities are crucial in containing the outbreak and safeguarding the health of its population.
