The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control says it has recorded 789 cases of diphtheria in Nigeria as of June 30.by the corynebacterium species that affect the nose, throat, and sometimes, skin of an individual.
Most of the cases were recorded in Kano while 71.7 percent of the confirmed cases occurred among children aged two to 14 years.The NCDC said despite the availability of a safe and cost-effective vaccine for diphtheria in the country, 82 percent of 798 confirmed diphtheria cases were unvaccinated. The agency advised that parents should ensure that their children are fully vaccinated against diphtheria.“Individuals with signs and symptoms suggestive of diphtheria should isolate themselves and notify their LGA, State disease surveillance officer , their State Ministry of Health helpline, or the NCDC through our toll-free line on 6232,” the statement reads.