Diphtheria outbreak strikes Abuja, FCTA urges immediate vaccination
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) announced on Monday that a diphtheria outbreak, a serious and highly contagious disease, has occurred in Abuja, resulting in one fatality.
The announcement was made during a press conference held by Dr. Sadiq Abdulraman, the Director of Public Health.
He urged FCT residents to promptly receive the Pentavalent vaccine to curb the spread of the disease, emphasizing that diphtheria is an infection of the nose and throat that can be easily prevented through vaccination.
Diphtheria patients typically experience a thick, gray membrane forming at the back of the throat, leading to difficulty in breathing.
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The disease spreads through airborne respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, as well as through saliva, such as kissing or sharing drinks.
Abdulraman provided further details, stating that there have been eight recorded cases in the Deidei District of the FCT, resulting in the death of a four-year-old child. The outbreak in the area was confirmed through sample analysis from suspected cases in a nearby village.
He highlighted that a household of four individuals in the region has been identified, and while some of the test results came back positive, one of the family members—an infant of approximately four years old—succumbed to the disease.
Abdulrahman advised residents to prioritize personal hygiene and report any unusual symptoms, particularly related to respiratory health.
He stated, “Two weeks ago, we received information from a community within the FCT about eight suspected cases, which prompted our team to collect samples for testing at the National Reference Laboratory Gaduwa and the NCDC. On Friday afternoon, the results were released, revealing one positive case out of the eight suspected ones.”
Moreover, he mentioned that earlier this year, the disease had already been detected in three states across the country—Lagos, Kano, and Ondo. In response to the outbreak, a national alert was issued, and the NCDC sent a letter to all states, including the FCT.
Meanwhile, Dr. Yahaya Vatsa, the Executive Secretary of FCT Primary Health Care, highlighted that unvaccinated individuals residing in densely populated areas or places with poor sanitation are at the highest risk.
He stated, “Symptoms of the disease include fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, red eyes, neck swelling, and difficulty breathing. Diphtheria easily spreads through direct contact with infected individuals, droplets from coughing or sneezing, and contact with contaminated clothing and objects. This underscores the importance of hygiene and environmental sanitation in prevention.”
To minimize the risk of contracting the disease, FCT residents are advised to ensure that their children receive the recommended three doses of the pentavalent vaccine, in accordance with the National childhood immunization schedule.