•Diptheria disease
Diphtheria, which is a communicable bacterial disease, has made a return in most regions of Nigeria, setting off alarm bells among public health officials.
The current outbreak has caused increased hospitalisations, prompting the health authorities to move with alacrity, reports The Guardian.
Understanding how the disease is transmitted, its symptoms, transmission, and prevention is important in curbing its spread.
Diphtheria is a highly contagious disease caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It most often infects the respiratory tract, producing a thick gray coating in the throat and airways that can asphyxiate the patient.
In severe cases, bacteria release toxins that circulate through the blood, killing the heart, nerves, and kidneys.
Mode of transmission
The disease is spread from person to person by face-to-face contact, mainly by respiratory droplets when an infected individual sneezes or coughs. It is also spread through touching infected surfaces or objects. Occasionally, open wounds that have Corynebacterium diphtheriae can spread the disease by direct skin contact.
Symptoms
Symptoms are likely to appear between 2 and 5 days following exposure and may be: Sore throat, difficulty swallowing, thick, gray membrane covering the throat and tonsils, hoarseness and shortness of breath, enlarged neck glands (bull neck), fever and chills, weakness and fatigue, rapid heart rate and skin lesions (in cutaneous diphtheria).
Later in the disease, diphtheria toxins can lead to complications such as heart failure, paralysis, and respiratory failure.
Who is Most at Risk?
Certain groups are at higher risk of developing severe infection and include Unvaccinated, especially children and the elderly. Those with poor living conditions of overcrowding and poor hygiene. Those with compromised immune function and even those health workers who work with infected patients.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Doctors diagnose Diphtheria through clinical examination and laboratory tests like throat smears and toxin assays. Timely treatment is essential. That typically involves Diphtheria antitoxin that counters the bacterial poison and prevents any further damage. Antibiotics (Penicillin or Erythromycin) kills bacteria and inhibits spread. Supporting treatment also involves oxygen, liquids, and respirators in worsening cases. Untreated, diphtheria can be deadly, with a fatality rate between 5% and 20% in its more severe form.
Preventive Measures
Vaccination is the most effective method to avoid diphtheria. The DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis) vaccine is included in universal immunisation schedules across the globe. Booster doses are given every 10 years, particularly for adults.
More specifically, other preventive measures include good hygiene, with frequent hand washing, avoidance of close contact with infected patients.
Also early diagnosis of suspected cases should be done to prevent outbreaks.
For more information regarding the diphtheria outbreak and other health updates, remain informed through reputable health agencies and official public health advisories.
