In recent weeks, Nigeria has been hit with a deadly diphtheria outbreak. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention [NCDC] has issued an alert regarding the country’s recent outbreak of the disease.
According to reports, authorities were first notified of a possible outbreak of the disease among children in a Kano state hospital in late December 2022. According to the NCDC, since then, there have been 123 confirmed cases of diphtheria disease and 38 deaths in four states across the country. As of the 22nd of January, Kano state had 100 confirmed cases and 32 deaths, Yobe state had 17 confirmed cases and 3 deaths, Lagos state had five confirmed cases and three deaths, and Osun state had one reported case with zero deaths.
What is Diphtheria?
Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that causes severe respiratory illness and, in some cases, death. It is a bacterial infection of the nose and throat caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It can form a thick, grayish-white coating on the tonsils, throat, and nose, making it difficult to breathe.
The disease is highly contagious and can spread quickly through close contact with an infected individual or through the air when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. It can also be spread by sharing contaminated objects with an infected person, such as cups, cutlery, clothing, or bedding. Diphtheria can be contracted more than once. Although the disease can infect anyone, it is most commonly found in children and people with weakened immune systems.
Outbreaks of Diphtheria in Nigeria
Diphtheria outbreaks have occurred in Nigeria in the past, particularly in refugee camps and other overcrowded settings where access to healthcare is limited. In 2011, Borno state experienced an outbreak with 98 cases and 21 deaths. However, the country has not experienced an outbreak of this size in recent years. Diphtheria outbreaks can result in significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in children. This is why it is critical to maintain high vaccination coverage rates in order to prevent disease outbreaks. In 2020 the United Nations Children’s Fund [UNICEF] issued a warning that routine immunizations against the infection had declined in Nigeria, owing in part to the COVID-19 pandemic. The NCDC has also attributed the current outbreak and the associated high fatality cases to low vaccination coverage, delayed recognition and confirmation of the disease, and a lack of antitoxin and antibiotics for treatment.
Symptoms of Diphtheria
Symptoms typically appear between 2 to 5 days after exposure to the bacteria. A person who has been infected with the disease will experience sore throat, fever, runny nose, red eyes, and a thick gray or white coating on the tonsils, throat, and nose. Other symptoms may include swollen lymph nodes in the neck, weakness, and difficulty swallowing. In severe cases, an infected person will experience difficulty breathing, heart problems, and paralysis.
Diphtheria is associated with a number of serious complications. If left untreated, the disease can damage the heart and nerves. The bacteria produce a toxin that damages the heart, nerves, and kidneys, resulting in long-term health issues. Complications of the disease include pneumonia, myocarditis, nephritis, and even death.
How is Diphtheria Treated?
Diphtheria can be treated with antibiotics and antitoxins. Antibiotics kill the bacteria, whereas antitoxin prevents the bacteria’s poison from damaging the body. However, early detection and treatment are critical to avoiding serious complications and improving the chances of complete recovery. Patients are usually kept in isolation for 48 hours after starting antibiotics to ensure they are no longer contagious.
How Can You Protect Yourself From Diphtheria?
Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself from getting infected. The diphtheria vaccine is highly effective in preventing the disease and is recommended as part of routine childhood vaccinations by the World Health Organization. The vaccine is typically administered in a series of doses as part of the combined diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine. In addition to vaccination, good hygiene is essential in preventing the spread of diphtheria. This includes frequently washing your hands and covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. It is also important that you avoid close contact with people who are sick.
NCDC Response
Currently, the Nigerian government is working with the NCDC to control the outbreak by increasing vaccine distribution and educating the public on proper hygiene practices.
To reduce the risk of contracting the disease, the NCDC has advised Nigerians to vaccinate their children with three (3) doses of the pentavalent vaccine, as recommended in the childhood immunization schedule.
The NCDC has also urged healthcare workers to be on the lookout for diphtheria symptoms in patients. Individuals with signs and symptoms suggestive of diphtheria should isolate themselves and notify appropriate authorities. In addition, close contacts with a confirmed case of diphtheria should be closely monitored, given antibiotic prophylaxis, and started on diphtheria antitoxin treatment when indicated. Furthermore, all healthcare workers (doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, and support staff) who are at a higher risk of contracting diphtheria should be vaccinated.
What can you do to help?
The Diphtheria outbreak is a serious concern in Nigeria, and it is critical to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and those around you. Understanding the symptoms, mode of transmission, and importance of early detection and treatment are critical to preventing diphtheria spread. Get vaccinated, practice good hygiene, stay informed, and educate others about the disease and the importance of vaccination to help control the spread of diphtheria. Also, ensure that any information you share has been verified by a reliable platform. If you or someone you know has diphtheria, seek medical attention right away. You can reach out to your local government, state disease surveillance officer (DSNO), or the NCDC via their toll-free number (6232).
