The Nigeria Centre of Disease Control and Prevention has said that lack of childhood immunisation has resulted in the outbreak of the deadly throat disease, diphtheria, in certain parts of the country.
The NCDC Director-General, Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, said although the ailment is a vaccine preventable disease and is also treatable, it is still very deadly and should not be taken lightly.
He said, ”Diphtheria, a vaccine preventable disease that used to be common decades ago is on the increase in some states in Nigeria. The fact that there is a resurgence suggests that there is significant reduction in vaccination coverage among pockets of the population and this reduced pockets of immunity has given rise to the cases we have seen.
“Kano has highest number of cases followed by Yobe, by weekend, there were 34 deaths in total. We are in a good place to help but is important that patients are recognised early, and diagnosis made quickly out so that treatment can commence immediately.”
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