EXPLAINER: Things to know about diphtheria disease

VOICE AIR MEDIA NEWS UPDATE

THE Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed cases of diphtheria in Kano and Lagos states.

This is even as the centre said it was monitoring the situation in Yobe and Osun states where cases were being picked up.

Here are the 6 things you need to know about diphtheria disease:

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium called Corynebacterium species that affects the nose, throat, and sometimes, skin of an individual.
Diphtheria spreads easily between people through direct contact with infected people droplets from coughing or sneezing, and contact with contaminated clothing and objects.

3 . People most at risk include children and adults who have not received any dose of the pentavalent vaccine, people who live in areas with poor sanitation, people who live in a crowded environment, and healthcare workers exposed to suspected or confirmed cases of the disease.

The onset of signs of the disease usually starts after two to 10 days of exposure to the bacteria.
Symptoms of diphtheria include fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, red eyes (conjunctivitis), and 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.

Complications from diphtheria include airway blockage, damage to the heart muscle, nerve damage, and kidney failure. However, for some people, respiratory diphtheria can lead to death.