The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, has blamed the current outbreak of diphtheria in some parts of Nigeria on a drop in childhood vaccination coverage in some parts of the country.
Speaking on a television program, the Director-General of the Agency, Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, said that 34 deaths have been recorded from the outbreak which affected four states.
He said the childhood vaccination program had been effective in the past which helped to stave off the disease outbreak for a long time in the country.
”Diphtheria, a vaccine-preventable disease that used to be common decades ago is on the increase in some states in Nigeria.
"The fact that there is a resurgence suggests that there is a significant reduction in vaccination coverage among pockets of the population and these reduced pockets of immunity have given rise to the cases we have seen.
“It is not a matter of diphtheria spreading from state to state, the bacteria that causes the disease is present everywhere and it spreads, and any state in which you find the disease now is likely to be associated with suboptimal vaccination rates, either in general or in particular in pockets of population.
"Failure of childhood vaccination in the failed states is causing the diphtheria outbreaks.
“Kano has the highest number of cases followed by Yobe, by the weekend, there were 34 deaths in total.”
He warned there could be more deaths without antibiotics, diphtheria anti-toxin, and appropriate conditions, but also assured that fatal outcomes are usually low with early detection and prompt treatment. Very severe cases require the diphtheria antitoxin, Adetifa said.
He further disclosed that the NCDC had distributed vials of the antitoxin for use in Lagos and Kano states, since December and was planning to also make them available to every state where the disease cases are found.
"Patients must be recognized early, and laboratory confirmation carried out so that treatment can commence immediately.”
Adetifa said they were arranging to train some healthcare personnel on laboratory diagnosis of the toxin and testing for most of the clinical effects.
“We are in a good state to help, but patients need to be recognized early and diagnosis made quickly and they are placed on the right treatment.
“We are using the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, NPHCDA data to predict high-risk states, there is a connection with the low socioeconomic situation, and we need to look out for healthcare workers who can be given courses of antibiotics."
Diphtheria disease.
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that is caused by species of the bacterium Corynebacterium. It affects the nose, throat, and sometimes, the skin of an individual.
It is contagious and could be easily transmitted between people through direct contact with infected people or contaminated clothing and objects, and droplets from coughing or sneezing.
Symptoms.
Symptoms usually start after 2 – 10 days of exposure to the bacteria. The symptoms include fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, red eyes (conjunctivitis), and neck
pain.
In severe cases, a thick grey or white patch, associated with difficulty in breathing appears on the tonsils and/or at the back of the throat.
Diphtheria could be prevented through immunization as recommended by the Nigeria childhood immunization schedule of three doses of pentavalent vaccine (diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine) for children in the 6th, 10th, and 14th week of life.
At-risk persons.
People most at risk of contracting diphtheria include children and adults who have not received any or a single dose of the pentavalent vaccine (a diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine).
Also at risk are people who live in a crowded environment, areas with poor sanitation, healthcare workers, and others who are exposed to suspected/confirmed cases of diphtheria.
Action.
NCDC says individuals who have signs and symptoms suggestive of diphtheria should isolate themselves and notify the local government area, state disease surveillance officer (DSNO), or the NCDC through the toll-free line (6232).
Close contacts with a confirmed case of diphtheria should be closely monitored given antibiotics prophylaxis and started on diphtheria antitoxin treatment when indicated, the Agency stated.
Health.
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