The Nigerian government through Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Preventions (NCDC) has confirmed 798 confirmed cases and 80 deaths from diphtheria.
The Director General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Preventions, (NCDC) Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa made this known in a statement to journalist in Abuja, Nigeria.
Dr. Adetifa in the statement reported the first confirmed case and death of a four year-old from the disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in June.
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 July 3, 2023, only one confirmed case has been detected, with seven suspected cases testing negative while others are awaiting laboratory results. No other death was recorded apart from the laboratory confirmed case.” He said.
The Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Preventions said it’s working with the FCT Health and Human Services Department to implement control measures and avert the further spread of the disease.
According to NCDC, cases and deaths were reported in 33 local government areas in eight states, including the FCT.
The Disease control agency said Kano State had the highest burden of the infection, totaling 782 cases.
“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”. He added.
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.
Dr. Adetifa urged healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion for diphtheria.
“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 start 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,” He said.
Response efforts
The NCDC said “Historical sub-optimal vaccination coverage is the main driver of the outbreak, given the most affected age group ( to 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.
The NCDC has in since December 2022, activated a multi-sectoral national Diphtheria Technical Working Group as a mechanism for coordinating surveillance and response activities across the country, the response activities includes coordination, surveillance, laboratory investigation, risk communication, case management and immunisation activities.
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