This is following the first reported confirmed case and death of a four year-old in June from Diphtheria in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Lafiya360 reports that the NCDC stated that the cases and deaths have been reported from 33 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in eight (8) States, including the FCT, with Kano State having the highest burden of the infection – 782 cases.
States that have reported cases of diphtheria include, Kano, Lagos, Yobe, Katsina, Cross River, Kaduna, Osun, and FCT. Furthermore a total of 654 cases (82 per cent) of 798 confirmed diphtheria cases of the outbreak were from the unvaccinated.
Diphtheria is caused by a toxin produced by the bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae, is a vaccine-preventable disease covered by one of the vaccines provided routinely through Nigeria’s childhood immunization schedule.
Signs and symptoms of diphtheria include: chills, fatigue, fever, or malaise, noisy breathing or shortness of breath, skin rashes or ulcers, hoarseness or impaired voice, difficulty swallowing or soreness. There are also cough, muscle weakness, runny nose, swelling, or swollen lymph nodes.
According to a statement signed by the Director-General of the NCDC, Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, parents are advised to ensure that their children are fully vaccinated against diphtheria with the 3 doses of diphtheria antitoxin containing pentavalent vaccine given as part of Nigeria’s childhood immunization schedule.
The Agency also urged healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion for diphtheria.
It said: “The NCDC, since December 2022, has reported multiple diphtheria outbreaks in different states across the country. As of June 30, 2023, there have been 798 confirmed diphtheria cases from 33 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in eight (8) States including the FCT.
“Individuals with signs and symptoms suggestive of diphtheria should isolate themselves and notify their LGA, State disease surveillance officer (DSNO), their State Ministry of Health helpline, or the NCDC through our toll free line on 6232.
“Individuals who have come in close contact with a confirmed case of diphtheria should be closely monitored, given antibiotics prophylaxis, and started on diphtheria treatment when indicated.
“Healthcare workers should practice standard infection prevention and control precautions while handling patients and body fluids. All healthcare workers (doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, support staff etc.) with a high level of exposure to cases of diphtheria should be vaccinated against diphtheria.”
With respect to what it is doing to curb the community spread of the disease, the NCDC said: “Historical sub-optimal vaccination coverage is the main driver of the outbreak given the most affected age group (2-14 year olds) observed, and a national survey of diphtheria immunity that found less than half (41.7 per cent) of children under 15 years old are fully protected from diphtheria.
“Just like in other States reporting cases, we are working with the FCT Health and Human Services Department to implement control measures and avert the further spread of the disease.
“The FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat has activated the diphtheria Incident Management System (IMS) to coordinate outbreak response activities. The key activities include but are not limited to active case finding in health facilities and communities, and risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) activities to raise awareness of diphtheria.
“Sample collection is also ongoing among suspected cases of diphtheria. As of 3rd of July 2023, only 1 confirmed case has been detected, with 7 suspected cases testing negative while others are awaiting laboratory results. No other death was recorded apart from the laboratory confirmed case
“In response to the outbreak in December 2022, NCDC activated a multi sectoral national Diphtheria Technical Working Group as a mechanism for coordinating surveillance and response activities across the country. The response activities include coordination, surveillance, laboratory investigation, risk communication, case management and immunization activities.