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The Outbreak of Diphtheria: NCDC Issues Public Health Advisory

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has responded to reports of diphtheria cases in Lagos and Kano States and is monitoring the situation in Osun and Yobe States where cases are now being picked up. In addition to clinically suspected cases, there have been laboratory-confirmed cases and the NCDC is working with State Ministries of Health and partners to enhance surveillance and response to the outbreak. This includes keeping the public informed on staying safe at home and in their communities.

ABOUT DIPHTHERIA

What is Diphtheria?

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium called Corynebacterium species that affects the nose, throat and sometimes, skin of an individual.

Who is at risk?

People most at risk of contracting diphtheria:

• Children and adults who have not received any or a single dose of the pentavalent vaccine (a diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine).

• People who live in a crowded environment.

• People who live in areas with poor sanitation.

• Healthcare workers and others who are exposed to suspected/confirmed cases of diphtheria.

Transmission

Diphtheria spreads easily between people through;

• Direct contact with infected people

• Droplets from coughing or sneezing.

• Contact with contaminated clothing and objects.

Symptoms

The onset of signs and symptoms usually starts after 2 – 10 of exposure to the bacteria. Symptoms of diphtheria include;

• Fever 🤒

• Runny nose 🤧

• Sore throat

• Cough

• Red eyes (conjunctivitis)

• Neck swelling

• In severe cases, a thick grey or white patch appears on the tonsils and/or at the back of the throat associated with difficulty breathing.

Prevention

The Nigeria childhood immunization schedule recommends three (3) doses of pentavalent vaccine (diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine) are recommended for children in the 6th-, 10th- and 14th -week of life.

NCDC’s Advice to Nigerians

To reduce the risk of diphtheria, the NCDC offers the following advice;

  1. Parents should ensure that their children are fully vaccinated against diphtheria with three (3) doses of the pentavalent vaccine as recommended in the childhood immunization schedule.
  2. Healthcare workers should maintain a high index of suspicion for diphtheria i.e., be vigilant and look out for symptoms of diphtheria.
  3. Individuals with signs and symptoms suggestive of diphtheria should isolate themselves and notify the local government area (LGA), state disease surveillance officer (DSNO) or the NCDC through our toll-free line (6232).
  4. Close contacts with a confirmed case of diphtheria should be closely monitored given antibiotics prophylaxis and started on diphtheria antitoxin treatment when indicated.
  5. All healthcare workers (doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, support staff etc.) with higher exposure to cases of diphtheria should be vaccinated against diphtheria.

Water is Medicinal for Longevity, says Medical Director

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The Medical Director of Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Ogun state, Professor Adewale Musa-Olomu has affirmed that water is medicinal for longevity, hence its importance for regular consumption which aids activities of the kidney

Pen pushing reports that Olomu made this known at a medical outreach organized by the health institution for practising journalists in Ogun State held at Iwe-Iroyin Press Centre, Abeokuta, the state capital.

The medical expert explained that, water help kidney in flushing out what may constitute health hazards, just as he enjoined media practitioners on the need to always check their health status, and always cultivate a healthy lifestyle.

Pen pushing further reports that he explained that water constitutes 70 per cent of benefits for body composition, which always assist in longevity and perfect healthy condition, stressing that water is life in all ramifications

‘Let us cultivate the habit of drinking water regularly, water assists in the functions of the kidney, it helps the kidney to flush out what may turn out and constitute a health hazard to the body. Water is life’, Musa- Olomu emphasized

Pen pushing also reports that he used the occasion in calling on the Nigerian government to declare a state of emergency on energy in all medical institutions across the country, pointing out that the rising cost of diesel in the country has continued to hamper the daily running of medical facilities in the country.

 The Medical Director said it is regrettable that the high cost of diesel which jumped from N600 to N730 per litre recently is threatening the survival of the medical institutions, adding that Federal Medical Centre (FMC) spends N44million monthly on diesel to power its generators.

“Government needs to declare a state-of-emergency on energy in tertiary institutions if they want us to carry on, it is just very necessary. In FMC, Abeokuta, we use N5million worth of diesel every two weeks comes that to N10million in a month, but suddenly the thing (diesel) jumped to N22million (every two weeks) and comes to N44million in a month. So, how are we going to cope?, he said.

“But, if the Federal government comes to our aid by declaring a state-of-emergency in the energy sector and probably they give us solar panels of about 1,000MW as they have given some other tertiary institutions, it will help us a lot and the charges on the innocent patients will be reduced and people will be ready to access health care”, he added.

Pen pushing reports that Musa-Olomu while speaking on the importance of medical outreach, encouraged journalists, that there is need for them to always check their health status, and as well avoid alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking.

“We know from our experience over the years that quite a lot of people can get lost in their professions and forget to take care of themselves, especially journalists. Journalists are always searching for news and with that enthusiasm, they get lost in their profession and forget to check their health that is why we are organising this outreach to call their attention to it, that it is necessary to take the time to check their health”, he added.

OGUN JOURNALISTS LAUD MEDICAL DIRECTOR FOR ORGANIZING MEDICAL OUTREACH FOR THEM

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Journalists in Ogun State have commended the Medical Director, Prof Adewale Musa-Olomu for the free medical programme organized for their members.

The Medical outreach, an initiative of the Medical Director drew an impressive turn out of media practitioners in the State.

Those who spoke at the event held at Iwe Iroyin House expressed their gratitude to the Medical Director for his thoughtful gesture.

In his speech, the Medical Director promised to make the outreach an annual event.

Below are the text messages from two of the veteran journalists

Please convey my deep appreciation and commendation to the CMD, the management and the entire medical team, for the historic & noble free medical outreach.

It was a pacesetter which will resonate with Nationwide

 It was quote significant to good & effective healthcare of Journalists, majority of who take their health for granted.

I pray God continue to guide our dear professor Adewale Musa-Olomu & his team.

By the grace of God, you have in me a volunteer ambassador of  FMC Abeokuta.

Thanks a lot.