As of June 30, the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has announced the presence of 789 cases of diphtheria in Nigeria.
The NCDC has reported that the cases were identified in 33 LGAs across eight states, namely Kano, Lagos, Yobe, Katsina, Cross River, Kaduna, Osun, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Most of the cases were concentrated in Kano, and it was also revealed that 71.7 percent of the confirmed cases occurred among children aged two to 14 years.
A total of 80 deaths were recorded among all confirmed cases, with 82 percent of the 798 confirmed diphtheria cases being unvaccinated.
The NCDC stated that this marks the first time in over two decades that the country has procured diphtheria antitoxin (DAT) domestically and distributed it to the affected states. Additionally, a multi-sectoral national diphtheria technical working group has been established as a mechanism for coordinating surveillance and response activities across the country.
The NCDC advised individuals with symptoms suggestive of diphtheria to isolate themselves and notify their LGA, State disease surveillance officer (DSNO), their State Ministry of Health helpline, or the NCDC through the toll-free line on 6232. Furthermore, individuals who have been in close contact with a confirmed case of diphtheria should be closely monitored, given antibiotic prophylaxis, and started on diphtheria treatment when indicated.
Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that affects the nose, throat, and sometimes the skin. Some symptoms of diphtheria include fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, red eyes, neck swelling, and difficulty in breathing.
