The Lagos State Government has rolled out an emergency vaccination for students at Kings College Annexe in Victoria Island, Lagos, following the outbreak of diphtheria in the school.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), diphtheria is a contagious disease that is caused by toxin-producing bacteria.
The disease, according to medical experts, can spread from person to person when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has continued to respond to and monitor reports of diphtheria cases in Lagos and other states. In addition to clinically suspected cases, there have been laboratory-confirmed cases, and the NCDC is working with State Ministries of Health and partners to enhance surveillance and response to the outbreak. This includes keeping the public informed on staying safe at home and in their communities.
What is Diphtheria?
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium called Corynebacterium species that affects the nose, throat and sometimes the skin of an individual.
Who is at risk?
People most at risk of contracting diphtheria include children and adults who have not received any or a single dose of the pentavalent vaccine (a diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine).
* People who live in a crowded environment.
* People who live in areas with poor sanitation.
* Healthcare workers and others who are exposed to suspected/confirmed cases of diphtheria.
Transmission
Diphtheria spreads easily between people through direct contact with infected people, droplets from coughing or sneezing, and contact with contaminated clothing and objects.
Symptoms
The onset of signs and symptoms usually starts after 2 to 10 days of exposure to the bacteria. Symptoms of diphtheria include Fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, red eyes (conjunctivitis), and neck swelling.
In severe cases, a thick grey or white patch appears on the tonsils and/or at the back of the throat associated with difficulty breathing.
Prevention
*The Nigerian childhood immunisation schedule recommends three (3) doses of pentavalent vaccine (diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine) for children in the 6th, 10th, and 14th weeks of life.
According to the NCDC, to reduce the risk of diphtheria:
*Parents should ensure that their children are fully vaccinated against diphtheria with three (3) doses of the pentavalent vaccine as recommended in the childhood immunization schedule.
* Healthcare workers should maintain a high index of suspicion for diphtheria, i.e., be vigilant and look out for symptoms of diphtheria.
* Individuals with signs and symptoms suggestive of diphtheria should isolate themselves and notify the local government area (LGA), state disease surveillance officer (DSNO), or NCDC through our toll-free line (6232).
*Close contacts with a confirmed case of diphtheria should be closely monitored, given antibiotics prophylaxis and started on diphtheria antitoxin treatment when indicated.
*All healthcare workers (doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, support staff, etc.) with higher exposure to cases of diphtheria should be vaccinated against diphtheria.
The post EXTRA: What you should know about Diphtheria appeared first on Vanguard News.
