Olugbenga Mokuolu of the Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, has cautioned parents to treat their children with diphtheria infection at home.
Don warned that while diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable disease, treating it at home can be dangerous and increase the risk of death.
Mokuolu, who is also a Consultant Pediatrician at the University Hospital, Ilorin, said diphtheria is a very serious disease and is not something that can be managed at home with over-the-counter medicines.
The researcher disclosed this in an exclusive interview PUNCH HealthWisestressing that the solution to the outbreak of the disease is vaccination.
He advised parents to ensure that their children are fully vaccinated from birth in accordance with the National Immunization Program.
According to the Nigerian Center for Disease Control, diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by a bacterium called Corynebacterium species that affects an individual’s nose, throat and sometimes the skin.
Latest data from the NCDC showed that Nigeria has so far recorded 123 diphtheria infections and 38 deaths in four states of the federation as of January 22.
According to the data, Kano State has the highest number of confirmed infections and 32 deaths, followed by Yobe with 17 infections and three deaths.
Symptoms of diphtheria according to the NCDC include fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, red eyes (conjunctivitis), and neck swelling.
Speaking to our correspondent, Mokuolu said, “Normally, diphtheria is one of the vaccine preventable diseases and is part of the routine immunization programme.
“At this point, we should ensure that babies are vaccinated from birth according to the National Immunization Program.
“We have the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine (DPT vaccine) that is given to babies from six weeks of birth, and babies have to get it at six weeks, 10 weeks and 14 weeks.
“Therefore, it is important to properly maintain this immunization schedule to protect against this type of outbreak that is occurring.”
The child health expert attributed the outbreak to declining immunization coverage.
“The current outbreak may not be unrelated to the fact that there has been a reduction in immunization coverage over time. This is a vaccine-preventable disease. Our solution will be a vaccine.
“Continuing vigilance to isolate cases as they occur and to ensure that those diagnosed with the infection are receiving treatment. It is completely vaccine preventable,” he said.
The World Health Organization says that while immunization is one of the most successful public health interventions, coverage has stagnated over the past decade.
According to the global health organization, the COVID-19 pandemic and related disruptions have strained health systems, with 25 million children unvaccinated in 2021, 5.9 million more than in 2019, and the highest number since 2009.
Warning about the poor management of throat infection, the pediatrician said: “It is not something parents can manage at home. It is a very serious illness.
“Any child with symptoms such as a cough, fever or difficulty breathing should be referred to the hospital for proper evaluation, rather than going to buy over-the-counter medications. We should not be complacent.
“It can be treated, but again, there is a risk of rapid death. One of the main things about diphtheria is that when you look at a person who has it and you look at their throat, you will see a white spot inside that throat.
“Now, that thing can obstruct breathing, so if that happens, the person can die quickly. So that’s the main problem.
“There can be an obstruction of breathing as a result of rapid death. Death can be very high in the absence of diagnosis, treatment, support, and if the necessary things are not done”.
Dona advised parents to be vigilant and take children with fever, cough and breathing difficulties for proper medical evaluation.
He reiterated that diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable disease, and asked all parents and guidance counselors to ensure that their care is fully vaccinated.
He advised Nigerians to strictly adhere to public health safety measures and report any cases of possible signs and symptoms to the nearest health facilities.
According to NCDC data, diphtheria is easily spread between people through direct contact with droplets from infected people from coughing or sneezing and through contact with contaminated clothing and objects.
“Among the people most at risk are children and adults who have not received a dose of the pentavalent vaccine.
“People living in areas with poor sanitation, people living in crowded environments and healthcare workers exposed to suspected or confirmed cases of the disease.
“The appearance of signs of the disease usually begins after two to 10 days with the bacteria.
“In severe cases, a thick gray or white patch appears on the tonsils and/or back of the throat associated with difficulty breathing,” the NCDC said.
The health agency says complications from diphtheria included airway blockage, heart muscle damage, nerve damage and kidney failure.
