Outbreak Of Diphtheria

Emmanuel Alfred

Kaduna State in Nigeria has experienced an outbreak of diphtheria with 47 confirmed cases where 17 deaths were recorded.

This was made known to the public by the Federal Ministry of Health recently and conveyed to the citizens of Cross River State through the Office of the Wife of the Governor of the State.

The release warned that diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial disease that can cause serious illness, including death and it is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which produces a toxin that can damage the heart, nerves, and other organs.

It informed the general public that the disease is spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also be spread through contact with skin lesions from an infected person.

Explaining the symptoms of diphtheria it said that they may vary depending on the severity of the infection. Mild cases can cause a sore throat, while more severe cases can lead to a thick, grayish-white membrane that can block the airway. Other symptoms of diphtheria can include fever, fatigue, headache, and muscle weakness.

Diphtheria is a serious disease, but it is preventable with vaccination. The diphtheria vaccine is usually given as part of the DTaP vaccine, which also protects against tetanus and pertussis.

It then advised the public that parents who suspect that their children may have diphtheria should see a doctor right immediately adding that diphtheria can be treated with antibiotics, but early treatment is essential to prevent serious complications.