Dr. Okai Aku, Executive Director, Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria, has said that fever, chills, nasal discharge with thick grey membrane and sore throat are symptoms of Diphtheria.
The Medical Doctor said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Tuesday on the disease.
He described Diphtheria as a serious bacterial infections, caused by Corynebacterium diphtheria toxin.
The medical practitioner said that developing countries like Nigeria with limited health care or vaccination options usually experience high rates of the disease.
Aku said: “The mode of transmission is through airborne droplets, contaminated personal or household items.
“Other symptoms are painful dysphagia, cervical lymphadenopathy and tiredness.”
Aku explained that the signs and symptoms usually manifest after two to five days of personal contact with the bacteria.
He, however, said that the disease is curable and highly preventable.
According to him, vaccination, which is key to prevention, is the combination of tetanus and pertussis (DPT) vaccines to be given at intervals and a booster dose.
The medical practitioner, who expressed hope in the availability of medicines to contain the disease, identified improved hygiene as key to preventing it.
Aku warned that breathing problems, heart damage and nerve damage remain the complications, which are deadly if care is not taken.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Diphtheria influenza has been ravaging some states in Nigeria recently, causing deaths among children.
