Outbreak Of Diphtheria In Abuja, Kills A Child
A very contagious disease, Diphtheria has broken out in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja
The disease has claimed the live of a four year old child, out of eight confirmed cases recorded so far in the territory.
However, FCTD Director of Public Health, Dr Sadiq Abduraman who announced this at a news conference in Abuja on Monday, asks residents to immediately take Pentavalent vaccine to stop the spread of the disease in the territory.
Already, the disease first noticed this year has spread to Lagos, Kano and Ondo States.
Meanwhile the FCTA Director said the disease is an infection of the nose and throat, is being spread by Cough, Sneezing, Kissing or shared drinks.
According to him, the symptoms of the disease, include sore throat, difficulty in breathing, red eyes and neck swelling.
Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary, FCT Primary Health Care, Dr. Yahaya Vatsa, said people most at risk were the unvaccinated and those living in crowded areas and/or where there is poor sanitation.
“Symptoms of the disease include fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, red eyes, neck swelling and difficulty in breathing.
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Diphtheria spreads easily through direct contact with infected persons, droplets from coughing or sneezing and contact with contaminated clothing and objects. There is need for hygiene and environmental sanitation.
“To reduce the risk of contracting the disease, FCT residents are, to ensure that their children are fully vaccinated with three doses of the Pentavalent vaccine as recommended in the national childhood immunisation schedule,” he said.
The ES also advised those with signs and symptoms suggestive of diphtheria to isolate themselves and notify the FCT Disease Surveillance Notification Officer (DSNO) and/or the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) through the FCT Call Centre toll-free lines.
“Close contacts with confirmed cases of diphtheria are being closely monitored with prophylactic antibiotics,” he noted.
