Two people have died following an outbreak of diphtheria in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, the FCT Administration has confirmed.
The FCT Administration said it would activate a multidisciplinary Incident Management Team to strengthen efforts to contain the disease and prevent further spread.
The Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environmental Secretariat, FCT Administration, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, disclosed this while representing the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, during an advocacy campaign and community engagement on diphtheria prevention and control at the Emir of Karshi’s Palace in Abuja Municipal Area Council.
Fasawe said five of 15 suspected cases investigated had tested positive for diphtheria, while 10 tested negative. She added that two of the confirmed patients had died, while several others had been successfully treated and discharged.
According to her, an additional 15 suspected cases are currently being investigated as health authorities intensify surveillance across affected communities.
“Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that affects the nose, throat and sometimes the skin of an individual. It is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium species, mainly by toxin-producing Corynebacterium diphtheriae,” she said.
Fasawe explained that early symptoms could include fever, sore throat, difficulty swallowing and swelling of the neck. In severe cases, she said, the disease could produce a thick greyish or whitish membrane in the throat capable of obstructing the airway and causing death.
She urged residents to seek immediate medical attention when such symptoms occur.
“Anyone with these symptoms must be taken to a health facility immediately. Families should not wait until the child begins to struggle to breathe,” she warned.
FCTA Intensifies Contact Tracing, Vaccination
Fasawe said the FCT response team had commenced active tracing, identification and monitoring of close contacts of confirmed cases.
She added that eligible household contacts were being provided with preventive antibiotics, while samples were being collected for laboratory testing.
Healthcare workers are also being sensitised on early detection, infection prevention and control measures, as well as the prompt notification of suspected cases.
According to her, surveillance and vaccination teams have been deployed to Karshi, Angwan Kokosa and neighbouring communities to conduct active case searches, identify vaccination gaps and locate children who have missed routine immunisation.
“Our vaccination efforts will prioritise zero-dose and under-immunised children. I therefore appeal to every parent and caregiver: please check your child’s vaccination card,” she said.
She advised parents and caregivers who are uncertain about their children’s vaccination status to visit the nearest primary healthcare centre for assessment.
Fasawe said children should still be taken to health facilities for assessment even when their vaccination cards are unavailable.
FCTA Warns Against Misinformation
The health authorities also plan to intensify risk communication and community engagement in languages easily understood by residents.
Fasawe said information on diphtheria prevention and control would be taken directly to households, schools, markets, places of worship and motor parks.
“Rumours and misinformation must not be allowed to stand between any child and a lifesaving vaccine,” she said.
She directed private hospitals that encounter suspected diphtheria cases to isolate the patients and refer them to the nearest secondary health facility, while immediately notifying the disease surveillance system.
She identified the AMAC Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer, Mr Adamu, as a key contact for reporting suspected cases and provided the telephone number 08185790793.
Fasawe appealed to traditional and religious leaders, teachers, school proprietors and community associations to support the response teams, discourage misinformation and promptly report unusual illnesses.
She also urged healthcare workers in both public and private facilities to maintain a high index of suspicion, apply the standard case definition, isolate suspected cases and immediately notify surveillance authorities.
“Early notification can save not only one patient, but an entire community,” she said.
