There has been a confirmed outbreak of the deadly Diphteria in Nigeria. Here is what you should know about DIPHTERIA summarized.
Diphtheria is a disease caused by a Bacteria called CORYNEBACTERIUM DIPHTHERIA
It is usually spread by contact with infected people, droplets in the air from coughing or sneezing, or infected objects
Some people can actually carry the bacteria without showing symptoms,
Some signs & symptoms
Usually starts about 2-10 days after infection;
Fever
Chill
Red eye
Tiredness
Sore throat
Swollen neck
Cough
Headache
Blood from Nose
It also produces toxins that can destroy the airways this can show as a greyish white patch in the throat.
The dangers of Diphtheria can extend to wide spread system if untreated
It produces some chemicals called TOXINS that can travel in the blood to other organs . It can cause airway obstruction.
It can cause Heart problems, Heart damages and even destroy some nerves in the Head
How to reduce risk
Parents should ensure their children get the vaccines, there are 3 doses as stipulated by our immunisation schedule.
People will suspected signs and symptoms should isolate and call the NCDC Toll number
The DPT vaccine has been incorporated as part of our routine pentavalent vaccine whicis is part of our immunization schedule.
The D meaning Diphteria.
The other P – Pertussis and T- Tetanus
