The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Thursday said about 15,060 suspected cases of diphtheria infections have been recorded in the country as of 19 October. Mr Shuaib said Kano State has exemplified its commitment to the cause, ensuring the immunisation of 1,111,310 children with Td vaccines and 544,737 children with Pentavalent vaccines in the phase two. He said Katsina, another hotspot in this outbreak, has vaccinated 403,252 children with Td vaccines and 255,075 children with Pentavalent vaccines. “NCDC has developed and disseminated public health advisories on diphtheria, as well as social behavioural change materials in collaboration with partners,” he said. In severe cases, NCDC said that a thick grey or white patch appears on the tonsils and, or at the back of the throat associated with difficulty in breathing.

Source: The Guardian October 19, 2023 21:39 UTC