The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, has cautioned everyone, particularly healthcare personnel, to be on the watch for diphtheria.
The warning was made by the Centre in an advisory statement on Friday.
“Healthcare workers should keep a high index of suspicion for diphtheria, i.e., be attentive and look out for diphtheria signs,” it said.
“Individuals with signs and symptoms indicative of diphtheria must isolate themselves and alert the local government area (LGA), state disease surveillance officer (DSNO), or the NCDC via our toll-free line (6232),” the statement continued.
“Close contacts with a confirmed case of diphtheria should be closely followed, given antibiotic prophylaxis, and started on diphtheria antitoxin treatment when required,” according to the recommendation.
“All healthcare workers (doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, support staff, and so on) who are more likely to be exposed to diphtheria cases should be vaccinated against diphtheria,” it added.
While the organization is responding to the problem, the NCDC reports that the sickness has killed approximately 25 people in the North-Western state.
To lower the risk of infection, the NCDC has advised Nigerians to ensure that their children have received three (3) doses of the pentavalent vaccine as recommended in the childhood immunization schedule.
Diphtheria is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium species that affects the throat, nose, and sometimes the skin, according to the NCDC.
Fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, red eyes, neck swelling, and difficulty breathing are all symptoms of the condition.
