Following the outbreak of diphtheria in Lagos, Kano, Yobe and Osun States, Ekiti State Commissioner for Health and Human Service, Dr Oyebanji Filani has advised residents of the state to take precautions and be watchful for any suspected cases.
In a statement, the Health Commissioner alerted the general public that Diphtheria is spreading to some states in Nigeria.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) released a statement confirming 123 cases and 38 deaths from diphtheria in four states of the
country.
The NCDC noted that apart from the clinically suspected cases, there have been laboratory-confirmed cases and that the NCDC was working with the state ministries of Health and partners to enhance surveillance and response to the outbreak.
Dr Filani said considering reported cases in neighboring state of Osun, the state Ministry of Health had intensified surveillance in the state, saying surveillance teams have been notified at the LGAs level on how to quickly identify and report
suspected cases.
According to him th his is also in line with earlier developed emergency operations plans to tackle a possible outbreak of Diphtheria in the state.
He explained the the state had also leverage on the capacity that has been built during Covid -19 response, which includes existing LGAs and State EOCs, laboratory services, health workers and treatment centres among others.
“Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium called Corynebacterium species
that affects the nose, throat and sometimes, skin of an individual”
“People most at risk of contracting diphtheria are Children and adults who have not received any or a single dose of the pentavalent vaccine , those who live in a crowded environment, People who live in areas with poor sanitation, Healthcare workers and others who are exposed to suspected and confirmed cases of diphtheria”
He explained that Diphtheria spreads easily between people through direct contact with infected people, Droplets from coughing or sneezing, Contact with contaminated clothing and objects.
Dr Filani said the symptoms of diphtheria include fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, red eyes, beck swelling, noting that a thick grey or white patch appears on the tonsils or at the back of the throat associated with difficulty breathing.
The State Government urged members of the public to be aware of the risk of the infection and adhere to the following preventive measures as prescribed by the NSCDC, Parents should ensure that their children are fully vaccinated against diphtheria with three doses of the pentavalent vaccine as recommended in the childhood immunisation schedule, Healthcare workers should maintain a high index of suspicion for diphtheria, be vigilant and Individuals with signs and symptoms suggestive of diphtheria should isolate themselves and notify the local government area, state disease surveillance officer.
“Close contacts with a confirmed case of diphtheria should be closely monitored given antibiotics
prophylaxis and started on diphtheria antitoxin treatment when indicated, all healthcare workers such doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, support staff with higher exposure to cases of diphtheria should be vaccinated against diphtheria”
“The Nigeria childhood immunization schedule recommends three doses of pentavalent vaccine (diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine) are recommended for children in the 6th-, 10th- and 14th -week of life”
“All residents of the state must watchful and stay safe at home, work place and in their communities, avoid self-medication and visit the nearest health facility if you notice any of the signs and symptoms of Diphtheria mentioned earlier.”
Dr Filani said the state Government would continue working closely with the Federal Ministry of Health, NCDC as well as our partners to prevent the outbreak and spread of this infection. Health workers are
hereby directed to maintain a high index of suspicion for diphtheria while consistently observing
standard protocols for infection and prevention control.
He affirmed that present administration remained committed to promoting the health and wellbeing of Ekiti people and we urge everyone to take personal responsibility to mitigate the outbreak and spread of this deadly infection within their communities.
