18 STATES WORSE HIT BY DIPHTHERIA-: FMOH, NCDC AND NPHCDA WARN 25-09-23
By Sadiq Aminu Nigeria has recorded 7,202 confirmed cases of diphtheria and 453 deaths in 105 Local Government Areas across 18 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
This was revealed in a joint statement by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and other development partners.
The Agencies said as of September 24th, 2023, there have been 11,587 reported suspected cases of Diptheria, noting that the gap in vaccination coverage was responsible for the outbreak
Most of the confirmed cases were recorded in Kano(6,185), other States with cases are Yobe (640), Katsina (213), Borno (95), Kaduna (16), Jigawa (14), Bauchi (8), Lagos (8), FCT (5), Gombe (5), Osun (3), Sokoto (3), and Niger (2), while Cross River, Enugu, Imo, Nasarawa and Zamfara, has 1 case each.
It explained that majority of the cases (5,299), which represents (73. 6%) of the confirmed cases occurred among children aged 1–14 years with those aged 5-14 years bearing most of the brunt of the disease.
The three agencies therefore advised Nigerians to reduce the risk of diphtheria by ensuring that children are fully vaccinated against diphtheria, while Health workers should be at alert.
All healthcare workers (doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, support staff etc.) with a high level of exposure to cases of diphtheria were also advised to get vaccinated against diphtheria.
Individuals with signs and symptoms suggestive of diphtheria should promptly presented to a healthcare facility or designated diphtheria treatment centres and where possible they and/or healthcare workers should notify their LGA, State Disease Surveillance Officer
(DSNO), their State Ministry of Health helpline, or the NCDC through the toll-free line on 6232.
Close contact with a confirmed case of diphtheria should be closely monitored and managed according to guidelines
The statement warned that the most effective protection against diphtheria is vaccination with the Pentavalent or TD vaccine, adding that the Federal Government provides free, safe, and effective vaccines at all Primary Healthcare Centres nationwide.
It urged the public to take advantage of the ongoing vaccination occurring in all states.