The National Orientation Agency (NOA), has commenced campaign on the causes and prevention of the diphtheria disease in Ebonyi communities following an outbreak in some states of the South-East geo-political zone.
Mr Theophilus Nwokpor, the agency’s Director in the state told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki on Monday that the campaign became necessary in order to save lives.
Nwokpor hinted that the disease had earlier been reported in some of communities in the neighbouring states of Abia, Enugu and Imo.
He said that the agency had mapped out strategies to enlighten people at the hinterland and the general public on preventive measures against the disease.
The director noted that there was no recorded case of the disease in the state at the moment.
According to Nwokpor, “the campaign aims to raise awareness and promote preventative measures like vaccination as well as hygiene practices.
“Recently, there is a rumour of an outbreak of diphtheria in some of our neighbouring states; hence the need to enlighten our people on what is diphtheria disease.
“We are also enlightening the people on the causes, symptoms, prevention and what is expected of them if they suspect the disease,” he said.
The director explained that diphtheria was a serious infection, which produces a toxin that damages tissue.
“It is caused by bacteria and typically affects the nose, throat and sometimes the skin causing a thick, gray membrane and it is highly contagious.
“The disease is primarily spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes but can also spread via contact with open sores or contaminated objects with the bacteria,” he said.
Nwokpor added that some of the symptoms equally include sore throat, difficulty in breathing or swallowing, fever and chills.
“Other symptoms are swollen glands in the neck, a thick gray membrane in the throat and in some cases skin ulcers,” he added.
The director said that the main people at risk were unvaccinated children and adults, especially those in close contacts with infected persons and people living in crowded or unhygienic conditions.
“The most effective way to prevent diphtheria is through vaccination, the pentavalent vaccine for infants (includes diphtheria prevention), booster dose for adolescents and adults are also helpful.
“The best way to prevent it is ensuring complete immunisation for children.
“In case anyone suspects diphtheria, seek medical attention immediately because it can be treated if detected early.
“Let us ensure that our children are fully immunised to prevent diphtheria and other diseases. Parents and guardians owe humanity full protection of children including complete immunisation,” he stated.
The director added that NOA’s Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers (COMOs), in all the 13 local government areas in the state and development centres had commenced campaign against the disease.
“We have visited some communities including Oguzoro Onwia in Ebonyi local government, Nauru Akpa in Ohaukwu, Nchoku community in Izzi among others,” he stated. (NAN)
