The Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, has announced the outbreak of diphtheria infection in some parts of the capital city.
The Director, FCT Public Health Department, Dr. Sadiq Abdulrahman, announced the outbreak in a news conference on Monday in Abuja.
Diphtheria is a serious infection caused by strains of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae that produces toxins leading to difficulty breathing, heart rhythm problems, and could lead to death. Mr Abdulrahman said that the disease had already killed a four-year-old child.
Abdulraman further explained that the child died in Deidei District of the FCT out of the eight cases recorded.
He explained that the outbreak of the infection in the FCT was confirmed after one of the results from the samples taken from suspected cases in a village close to Dei-Dei area, returned positive.
The director tasked residents on personal hygiene and advised them to report any strange symptoms, particularly one relating to their respiratory health to relevant authorities.
Symptoms of diphtheria. sore throat.
breathing difficulty
husky voice
Stridor ( a shrill breathing sound heard during inspiration, or breathing in)
enlarged lymph glands of the neck.
increased heart rate.
nasal drainage.
swelling of the palate (the roof of the mouth)