Diphtheria: Things You Should Know About The Strange Disease That Killed 25 People In Kano
Diphtheria: Things You Should Know About The Strange Disease That Killed 25 People In Kano
The National Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has asked health workers to be prepared and look for the symptoms of diphtheria.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Director-General of NCDC, Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, said that the agency has received reports of outbreaks of the disease in Kano and Lagos states.
He added that the NCDC continues to monitor the situation in Osun and Yobe states where the disease has also been reported.
The Ministry of Health in Kano has said that 25 people out of the 58 people suspected to have been infected with diphtheria have so far died, while six people are still being treated.
According to NCDC, some bacteria called 'Corynebacterium cause diphtheria which affects the nose and throat, sometimes even the skin.
Her symptoms
NCDC says the symptoms of diphtheria include; fever, runny nose, dry throat, cough, red eyes and swelling of the neck.
Sometimes when the situation worsens, the side of the larynx becomes inflamed and the patient will have difficulty breathing.
Adetifa said that the NCDC is working with the state ministries of health and others to expand the fight against this disease.
Those at risk of infection
The NCDC chairman listed those who are most at risk of contracting the disease including:
• Children and adults who have not been vaccinated against diphtheria.
• People who live in crowded places.
• People who live in unsanitary environments.
• Health workers who are working to take care of people who are infected, or suspected to be carrying the disease.
Its spread
NCDC said that the rare diphtheria disease is easily spread between people, either through contact with an infected person, spray from the cough or sneeze of an infected person, and touching dirty clothes and objects.
The agency advises parents to ensure that their children are fully vaccinated against the disease as it is in the vaccination system for children.
She also advises anyone who sees the symptoms of this disease with him to isolate himself and inform the nearest authorities or NCDC, or any other health-related institution.