Diphtheria Outbreak in Abuja, Causes | Transmission | Symtoms | Prevention & Treatment
diphtheria outbreak Abuja causes symptoms treatment
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the breakout of Diptheria in parts of the city of Abuja.
The FCT Director, Public Health Department, Dr. Sadiq Abdulrahman, announced the outbreak, at a news conference on Monday, in Abuja.
Abdulrahman, while addressing the news conference, said the disease had already killed a four-year-old, adding that outbreaks earlier recorded in Lagos, Ondo, and Kano states in January, had triggered a national response by the Nigeria Centre for Disease and Control.
Diphtheria is an infection caused by strains of a bacteria known as Corynebacterium Diphtheriae which produces toxins that cause difficulty in breathing, and heart rhythm problems, and could lead to death.
Causes
The bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae produce a toxin and cause the deadly infection diphtheria. It is the toxin that has the potential to make people really ill.
How is Diphtheria transmitted ?
Diphtheria germs are typically transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets such as those produced by coughing or sneezing. Additionally, touching infected open sores or ulcers might make someone sick. Those who live together are more likely to contract an illness.
Symptoms of diphtheria include:
- a thick grey-white coating that may cover the back of your throat, nose and tongue.
- a high temperature (fever)
- sore throat.
- swollen glands in your neck.
- difficulty breathing and swallowing.
Is diphtheria treatable? (Treatment)
48 hours after starting antibiotics, people with diphtheria are typically no longer able to transmit the disease to others. To ensure that the germs are totally eradicated from the body, it is crucial to take the antibiotics until the end of the prescribed period.
Read Also:
Full Video : Kevin Leonardo Nair Hair Removal Viral Video
Video: Young Buck and Afroman’s Crews Fight Dirty in Club
Full Video: Police Officers Caught On Camera Running A Vehicle Over A Man
Video: Panic As Two Are Allegedly Killed In Rival Cult Groups Clash In Anambra
Photos & Video: American lady claims she is pregnant for singer Davido; shares video
NCDC begins sample collection over diphtheria outbreak in Abuja
The federal capital territory is the subject of a continuous sample collection, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.
A multi-sectoral national Diphtheria Technical Working Group has also been created as a framework for coordinating surveillance and response efforts across the nation.
Seven suspected instances have tested negative, and there has only been one confirmed case so far. Other suspected cases are still awaiting laboratory findings.
The FCT’s health and human services department and NCDC are collaborating to put control measures in place that will stop the spread of diphtheria there, according to NCDC.
Since the initial revelation of several diphtheria outbreaks across various states in the nation, more than 790 confirmed cases have been reported in thirty three local government areas in eight states, including the FCT.
Eighty fatalities have been reported thus far among all confirmed cases.
