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Tony Ademiluyi
According to the latest situation report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention concerning Diphtheria, cases of the health condition have been reported in Lagos and Kano States.
As reported by The PUNCH, the outbreak of diphtheria infection started in Kano last week Friday and has, as of Thursday, claimed not less than 25 lives.
According to reports, the child killer disease that was first recorded in Kano state in late 2022 is now being treated as an outbreak at the Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Kano.
The NCDC also disclosed that it is monitoring the situation in Osun and Yobe States where cases are now being picked up.
The NCDC disclosed this in a public health advisory signed by its Director General, Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa. The advisory was issued on Friday amidst the outbreak of the disease in the country.
The agency said in addition to clinically suspected cases, there have been laboratory-confirmed cases, adding that it is working with state ministries of health and partners to enhance surveillance and response to the outbreak.
What is Diphtheria?
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium called Corynebacterium species that affects the nose, throat, and sometimes, skin of an individual.
It can lead to difficulty in breathing, heart rhythm crisis, and death in some cases.
The disease was first described in the 5th century BC by Hippocrates – the father of medicine from which the famous Hippocratic Oath that all medical doctors take originated.
It was also described as an epidemic in the 6th century BC by Aetius. The bacterium was, however, first observed in diphtheritic membranes by Edwin Klebs in 1883 and cultivated by Friedrich Löffler in 1884.
It is rare in developed nations of the world because of their widespread vaccination against the disease but it is common in less developed countries that have limited access to vaccinations.
Diphtheria can be treated with medications but when it has gone out of control to its advanced stage, it can cause serious damage to the heart, kidneys, and nervous system.
Despite treatment, Diphtheria could be a death sentence if it affects children because of its fatal nature.
Diphtheria Signs & Symptoms
· A thick, grey membrane covering the throat and tonsils
· A sore throat and hoarseness
· Swollen glands (enlarged lymph nodes) in the neck
· Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
· Nasal discharge
· Fever and chills
· Tiredness
What is the cause of Diphtheria?
Diphtheria is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The bacterium usually multiplies on or near the surface of the throat or skin. C. diphtheriae spreads through:
· Airborne droplets. When an infected person’s sneeze or cough releases a mist of contaminated droplets, people nearby may inhale C. diphtheriae. Diphtheria spreads easily this way, especially in crowded conditions.
· Contaminated personal or household items. People sometimes catch diphtheria from handling an infected person’s things, such as used tissues or hand towels, that may be contaminated with the bacteria.
Touching an infected wound also can transfer diphtheria-causing bacteria.
People who have been infected by the diphtheria bacteria and who haven’t been treated can infect people who haven’t had the diphtheria vaccine — even if they don’t show any symptoms.
What are the clinical features of Diphtheria?
The incubation period of diphtheria is usually 2–5 days (range: 1–10 days). Diphtheria can involve almost any mucous membrane. For clinical purposes, it is convenient to classify diphtheria into a type of manifestation, depending on the site of the disease. These sites affected most commonly include:
- Respiratory diphtheria
- Nasal diphtheria
- Pharyngeal and tonsillar diphtheria
- Laryngeal diphtheria
- Cutaneous diphtheria
Respiratory diphtheria has a gradual onset and is characterised by: Mild fever; Sore throat; Difficulty swallowing; Malaise; Loss of appetite and Hoarseness (if the larynx is involved)
The hallmark of respiratory diphtheria is a pseudomembrane that appears within 2–3 days of illness. It appears over the mucous lining of the tonsils, pharynx, larynx, or nares and can extend into the trachea. Fatal airway obstruction can result if the pseudomembrane extends into the larynx or trachea or if a piece of it becomes dislodged.
Cutaneous diphtheria may present as a scaling rash or ulcers with clearly demarcated edges and membranes, but any chronic skin lesion may harbour C. diphtheriae along with other organisms. The systemic complications from cutaneous diphtheria with toxigenic strains appear to be less than those from other sites.
How long does Diphtheria last?
The illness normally lasts for two to three weeks. Any skin ulcers usually heal within two to three months and leave a scar.
Is Diphtheria fatal
Diphtheria is dangerous because the bacteria which cause it produce a powerful toxin (poison). The toxin kills cells in the mouth, nose, and throat. The dead cells quickly build up and form a membrane that can attach to the throat and lead to death by choking.
who can get infected with Diphtheria?
Diphtheria bacteria spread from person to person, usually through respiratory droplets, like from coughing or sneezing. People can also get sick from touching infected open sores or ulcers. Those at increased risk of getting sick are people in the same household.
Is there a treatment for Diphtheria?
Diphtheria is a serious illness. Doctors treat it immediately and aggressively. Doctors first ensure that the airway isn’t blocked or reduced. In some cases, they may need to place a breathing tube in the throat to keep the airway open until the airway is less inflamed.
Children and adults who have diphtheria often need to be in the hospital for treatment. They may be isolated in an intensive care unit because diphtheria can spread easily to anyone not vaccinated against the disease.
What should people do if they think they have been exposed to an animal or person with diphtheria?
If you’ve been exposed to a person infected with diphtheria, see a doctor for testing and possible treatment. Your doctor may give you a prescription for antibiotics to help prevent you from developing the disease. You may also need a booster dose of the diphtheria vaccine.
Additional information from Mayo clinic.org, CDC, and the NHS
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