The Kano State Government is currently battling to curtail diphtheria, a disease that has killed 25 people within a week.
With 58 cases said to have been identified, the disease is being treated as an outbreak at the Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Kano.
Diphtheria is ‘an acute and highly contagious bacterial disease causing inflammation of the mucous membranes, formation of a false membrane in the throat which hinders breathing and swallowing, and potentially fatal heart and nerve damage by a bacterial toxin in the blood. It is now rare in developed countries owing to immunisation.’
The Mayo Clinic says a second type of diphtheria can affect the skin, causing pain, redness and swelling similar to other bacterial skin infections. Ulcers covered by a gray membrane also may be a sign of skin diphtheria.
“Although it’s more common in tropical climates, diphtheria on the skin also occurs in the United States. It may happen especially among people with poor hygiene who live in crowded conditions,” it adds in an article on its website.
Causes
Airborne droplets. When an infected person’s sneeze or cough releases a mist of contaminated droplets, people nearby may inhale C. diphtheriae. Diphtheria spreads easily this way, especially in crowded conditions.
Contaminated personal or household items. People sometimes catch diphtheria from handling an infected person’s things, such as used tissues or hand towels, that may be contaminated with the bacteria.
Touching an infected wound also can transfer diphtheria-causing bacteria.
Symptoms
A thick, gray membrane covering the throat and tonsils
A sore throat and hoarseness
Swollen glands (enlarged lymph nodes) in the neck
Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
Nasal discharge
Fever and chills
Tiredness
In some people, infection with diphtheria-causing bacteria causes only a mild illness — or no obvious signs and symptoms at all. Infected people who stay unaware of their illness are known as carriers of diphtheria. They’re called carriers because they can spread the infection without being sick themselves.
