Abuja on High Alert as Diphtheria Outbreak Claims Young Life

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has declared a state of emergency following the outbreak of a severe and highly contagious disease, diphtheria, in Abuja. Tragically, one person has already lost their life.

During a press conference led by Dr. Sadiq Abdulraman, the Director of Public Health, FCTA urged all residents of the FCT to take immediate action by receiving the Pentavalent vaccine. This vaccine is crucial in halting the spread of the disease, which primarily affects the nose and throat and can be easily prevented.

Individuals suffering from diphtheria experience the formation of a thick, gray layer in the back of the throat, causing breathing difficulties. The disease spreads through airborne respiratory droplets, such as coughs or sneezes, as well as through saliva transmission, such as kissing or sharing drinks.

Dr. Abdulraman revealed that out of the eight recorded cases, a tragic loss occurred in the Deidei District, where a four-year-old child succumbed to the disease. The outbreak has been confirmed through samples taken from suspected cases in a nearby village.

Emphasizing the significance of personal hygiene, Dr. Abdulraman urged residents to report any unusual symptoms, particularly those affecting their respiratory health. He shared, “Two weeks ago, we received information about eight suspected cases from a community within the FCT, which prompted our team to collect samples. The results, received on Friday, confirmed one positive case out of the eight suspected cases.”

The director also mentioned that the disease had previously emerged in three other states earlier this year—Lagos, Kano, and Ondo. A national response was initiated, with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) sending alerts to all states, including the FCT.

Dr. Yahaya Vatsa, the Executive Secretary of FCT Primary Health Care, highlighted that unvaccinated individuals living in crowded areas with poor sanitation are most at risk. He explained, “Symptoms of diphtheria include fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, red eyes, neck swelling, and difficulty breathing. The disease spreads through direct contact, coughing or sneezing, and contact with contaminated clothing and objects. Thus, hygiene and environmental sanitation are crucial in prevention.”

To mitigate the risk of contracting diphtheria, FCT residents are strongly advised to ensure that their children receive the recommended three doses of the pentavalent vaccine as outlined in the National childhood immunization schedule.