Nigeria is facing a significant outbreak of the highly contagious bacterial disease, diphtheria, with the confirmation of multiple cases in the capital city of Abuja. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) announced the outbreak following the unfortunate death of a four-year-old patient. The disease primarily affects the throat and nose, leading to breathing difficulties and posing a serious threat to public health.
NCDC reported that diphtheria cases have been on the rise throughout the country over the past year. As of June 30, nearly 800 cases have been officially confirmed, with the majority of patients falling within the age group of 2 to 14 years. Regrettably, 80 deaths have been recorded among the confirmed cases, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Diphtheria is a preventable disease through routine childhood vaccinations. However, low vaccination coverage has contributed to the rapid spread of the disease in Nigeria. Despite the availability of safe and cost-effective vaccines within the country, more than 80% of those infected had not received the necessary immunization, as stated by Ifedayo Adetifa, the head of the NCDC.
The World Health Organization (WHO) explains that diphtheria can be transmitted through direct contact or air droplets between individuals. Although people of all age groups are susceptible to the disease, unvaccinated children face a higher risk of infection.
While Nigeria has experienced diphtheria outbreaks in the past, the current situation is of greater concern due to the larger number of cases. In 2011, northeastern Borno State reported 98 cases, indicating a significant increase in the spread of the disease within the country.
The Nigerian health authorities, along with the NCDC, are working tirelessly to control the outbreak. Efforts are being made to improve vaccination coverage, especially among children, to prevent further infections. Public health campaigns are being conducted to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination and the need to seek medical attention if symptoms of diphtheria are observed.
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