What to Do if Exposed to Diphtheria? Public Health Care Worker Reveals
- Diphtheria is an acute disease caused by toxin-producing strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria, that is known to colonise mucous membranes
- Infections from the highly contagious bacterial disease which affects the throat and nose, and can cause breathing difficulties
- Dr. Ewunuga Sheriffdeen spoke to Legit.ng about the disease which has risen sharply across Nigeria since the past year
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Ikeja, Lagos state - In the wake of the recent diphtheria outbreak in several states in Nigeria, Dr. Ewunuga Sheriffdeen has advised that the health centre should be immediately visited if an individual has been exposed to someone already infected with the disease.
Diphtheria, a serious bacterial infection, has hit Kano, Yobe, Lagos, Kaduna, and a few other states, The Cable reported.
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Diphtheria: "Don't indulge in self-treatment", medical expert counsels
At least, 80 deaths have been recorded among all confirmed cases, CNN also reported.
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As a result, the public health worker who is involved in responding to health issues in Lagos state told Legit.ng that diagnosed diphtheria can be managed in infectious disease departments — and not through self-treatment.
Dr. Sheriffdeen referenced the World Health Organisation's (WHO) recommendation of early reporting and management of suspected diphtheria cases to initiate timely treatment of cases.
He said:
“When we have anyone with infection in the oral cavity towards the larynx, it should be reported to the facility. And those around them should also be careful. They should not do self-treatment.”
Contrary to online posts, Bill Gates not responsible for diphtheria outbreak in Nigeria
In a piece of related news, Legit.ng reported that several comments from Nigerians have linked the outbreak of the diphtheria disease to American business magnate, Bill Gates.
Diphtheria is a bacterial infection caused by the corynebacterium species that affect the nose, throat, and sometimes, skin of an individual.
The claim which circulated on social media is another conspiracy theory linked to the Microsoft founder.
How tech innovation can combat anthrax, diphtheria outbreaks, health experts reveal
Legit.ng also reported that health experts have greatly encouraged adopting innovation and technology into the Nigerian healthcare system as a significant solution to the numerous lapses in combatting health issues and outbreaks in the country.
On Wednesday, July 26, eHealth Africa staged a convergence between health experts and stakeholders in Abuja to deliberate and discourse the benefits of adopting technology into the public health practice.
Source: Legit.ng
