The Federal Capital Territory Administration, through its Public Health Department on Monday confirmed the death of a four year old child over the outbreak of diphtheria disease in Deidei part of Abuja.
According to The Guardian, the Director, FCT Public Health Department, Dr. Sadiq Abdulrahman made this known during a press briefing in Abuja.
Dr Abdulrahman explained that Diphtheria is a serious bacteria infection that could be prevented with vaccines .
His words: ” two weeks ago we got information from a community within the FCT of about 8 suspected cases which triggered our team to pick some samples which were taken to the National Reference Laboratory Gaduwa and the NCDC. As at Friday afternoon the results came out. Out of the eight suspected cases, one came out positive ”.
On his part, the Executive Secretary, FCT Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Yahaya Vatsa explained that the symptoms of the disease include fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, red eyes, neck swelling, and difficulty breathing.
He said Diphtheria could easily be spread through direct contact with infected people, droplets from coughing or sneezing and contact with contaminated clothing and objects.
Dr Vatsa reiterated the readiness of FCTA through the Primary Health Care Board to re-vaccinate all children within 6weeks to 14yrs in the affected community with the appropriate vaccines.
“irrespective of their previous vaccination status. (6wks – <4yrs will receive Penta Vaccine, while 4yrs – 14yrs will receive Td vaccine) There will be RI intensification exercise across the 6 Area Councils with increased access to the Routine Immunization services “.
