There has been a confirmed outbreak of the deadly Diphteria in the FCT.

A 4 year old boy is already dead , out of the 8 reported cases.

Here is what you should know about DIPHTERIA summarised.

Diphtheria is a disease caused by a Bacteria called CORYNEBACTERIUM DIPHTHERIA

It is usually spread by contact with infected people , droplets in the air from coughing or sneezing, or infected objects

Some people can actually carry the bacteria without showing symptoms

Some signs & symptoms
Usually starts about 2-10 days after infection

Fever
Chill
Red eye
Tiredness
Sore throat
Swollen neck
Cough
Headache
Blood from Nose

It also produces toxins that can destroy the airways this can show as a greyish white patch in the throat as shown below

The dangers of Diphtheria can extend to wide spread system if untreated

It produces some chemicals called TOXINS that can travel in the blood to other organs . It can cause airway obstruction.

It can cause Heart problems, Heart damages and even destroy some nerves in the Head

How to reduce risk

Parents should ensure their children get the vaccines , there are 3 doses as stipulated by our immunisation schedule

People will suspected signs and symptoms should isolate and call the NCDC Toll number (as indicated at the end of the thread )

We as healthcare workers are already on the lookout and have a high index of suspicion and report suspected cases of Diphteria.

People who have had close contact with confirmed cases are also treated appropriately

Please if you suspect reach out through hotlines.

The various channels to contact NCDC are as follow

NCDC Toll-free Number: 6232 | SMS: 08099555577 | WhatsApp: 07087110839 Twitter: @NCDCGov
| Facebook: @NCDCgov
| Instagram: @NCDCgov
| NCDC Media Releases

Via: @the_beardedsina/Twitter