NCDC Confirms 1 Diphtheria Death As FCTA Warns Over Outbreak

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has confirmed one death from diphtheria disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

This was after the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), raised an alarm over the outbreak of diphtheria disease in some parts of Abuja, with one death recorded already.

Diphtheria is an acute and highly contagious bacterial disease which can lead to difficulty breathing, heart rhythm problems and even death.

The director, FCT public health department, Dr. Sadiq Abdulrahman said already results of samples taken from suspected cases in a village close to Dei-Dei have established the breakout.

He said a household of four persons had been identified in the area, while some of the results came positive, adding that one of the family members, an infant of about four-years-old died of the disease.

Abdulrahman cautioned residents on personal hygiene, advising them to report any strange symptoms, especially relating to their respiratory health.

“Two weeks ago, we got information from a community within the FCT of about eight suspected cases which triggered our team to pick some samples which were taken to the National Reference Laboratory Gaduwa and the NCDC. As of Friday afternoon, the results came out. Out of the eight suspected cases, one came out positive,” he said.

He said that the disease had been established in about three states across the country, earlier this year, “as we are all aware, precisely in January this year, a national alert was sent out on the outbreak of Diphtheria in about three states, Lagos, Kano and Ondo.

“That triggered a national response and the NCDC which is the flagship of disease outbreak and response in the country, sent out a letter to all the states of the FCT.”

Meanwhile, the executive secretary of FCT Primary Health Care, Dr. Yahaya Vatsa said people most at risk are the unvaccinated ones and live in crowded areas and/or where there is poor sanitation.

“The symptoms of the disease include fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, red eyes, neck swelling, and difficulty breathing. Diphtheria spreads easily between people through direct contact with infected people, droplets from coughing or sneezing, and contact with contaminated clothing and objects, thereby underscoring the importance of hygiene and environmental sanitation in prevention.

“To reduce the risk of contracting the disease, FCT residents are hereby advised to ensure that their children are fully vaccinated with three doses of the pentavalent vaccine as recommended in the National childhood immunisation schedule.

“The FCTA through the Primary Health Care Board has concluded plans to revaccinate all children 14 years and below in the affected community with the appropriate vaccines, irrespective of their previous vaccination status. (6 weeks – 4 years will receive Penta Vaccine, while 4 years– 14 years will receive Td vaccine).”