The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has said the country has so far recorded 798 confirmed cases and 80 deaths from diphtheria.
This followed the first reported confirmed case and death of a four year-old from the disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in June.
The NCDC said the cases and deaths were reported in 33 local government areas in eight states, including the FCT.
Kano State, the agency said, had the highest burden of the infection, totaling 782 cases.
It also said 654 (82 per cent) of 798 confirmed diphtheria cases of the ongoing outbreaks were unvaccinated.
Kano, Lagos, Yobe, Katsina, Cross River, Kaduna, Osun, and the FCT have reported at least one case of the disease.
The NCDC announced this in a statement by its Director General, Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, yesterday in Abuja.
The agency advised parents to ensure that their children are fully vaccinated against diphtheria with three doses of antitoxin containing pentavalent vaccine given as part of Nigeria’s childhood immunisation schedule.
It also urged healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion for diphtheria.
“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 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’s 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.
-TheNation
