The outbreak of diphtheria disease in certain areas of Abuja has prompted the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to sound the alarm, with one fatality already reported.
Strains of diphtheria can cause severe infection, leading to breathing difficulties, heart rhythm issues, and even death.
Dr. Sadiq Abdulrahman, Director of the FCT Public Health Department, confirmed the outbreak based on samples taken from suspected cases in the vicinity of Dei-Dei.
Abdulrahman revealed that a family of four had been identified in the area, and while some test results were positive, one of the family members – a four-year-old infant – tragically succumbed to the disease.
Emphasizing the importance of personal hygiene, Abdulrahman urged residents to report any unusual symptoms, particularly those related to respiratory health.
“Two weeks ago, we received information from a community within the FCT about eight suspected cases, prompting our team to collect samples sent to the National Reference Laboratory Gaduwa and the NCDC. The results came out on Friday afternoon, and out of the eight suspected cases, one tested positive,” he disclosed.
He further noted that the disease had previously been detected in three states in the country earlier this year. “As we are all aware, in January this year, a national alert was issued regarding the outbreak of diphtheria in Lagos, Kano, and Ondo states,” he said. He added that the NCDC, the country’s flagship agency for addressing disease outbreaks, sent a letter to all states, including the FCT.
In the meantime, Dr. Yahaya Vatsa, Executive Secretary of FCT Primary Health Care, highlighted that those most at risk are unvaccinated individuals and residents of crowded areas or places with poor sanitation.
“Symptoms of the disease include fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, red eyes, neck swelling, and difficulty breathing.
Diphtheria can easily spread among humans through direct contact with infected individuals, droplets from coughing or sneezing, and contact with contaminated clothing and objects. This highlights the significance of hygiene and environmental sanitation in the prevention of the disease,” Vatsa explained.
“To minimize the risk of contracting the disease, FCT residents are advised to ensure that their children receive the recommended three doses of the pentavalent vaccine as part of the national childhood immunization schedule.
“Through the Primary Health Care Board, the FCTA has planned to administer the appropriate vaccines to all children under 14 years in the affected community, regardless of their previous vaccination status. Children aged 6 weeks to 4 years will receive the Penta Vaccine, while those aged 4 to 14 years will receive the Td vaccine.
“There will be an intensified routine immunization exercise in all six area councils, with increased access to immunization services beyond the 400-plus healthcare facilities in the FCT. Outreach services will also be conducted to reach people where they live and work, ensuring that they have access to the vaccines,” Vatsa stated.
He advised individuals displaying symptoms indicative of diphtheria to isolate themselves and inform the FCT Disease Surveillance Notification Officer (DSNO) and/or the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) through the FCT Call Center’s toll-free lines. Close contacts of confirmed diphtheria cases are being closely monitored and provided with prophylactic antibiotics,” he added.