French.china.org.cn | Updated on 15-02-2023
Nigerian health authorities have confirmed 216 cases of diphtheria, including 40 deaths, in four states in the country since December 2022.
In the latest diphtheria situation report obtained by Xinhua on Tuesday, the Nigerian Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said northern Kano state had the highest toll with 211 confirmed cases, of which 38 death.
Lagos State (southwest) reported two confirmed cases and two deaths, Yobe State (northeast) recorded two confirmed cases and no deaths, while Osun State (southwest ) had one confirmed case and no deaths, according to the report.
Of the 216 confirmed cases, 184 are between the ages of two and 14, the document reads, noting that the CDC is supporting response activities in affected states, including vaccination campaigns.
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by several species of corynebacteria that affects the nose, throat and sometimes the skin of those affected. The main symptoms of diphtheria are fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, red eyes and swollen neck. In severe cases, thick gray or white patches appear on the tonsils and/or the back of the throat, which is associated with difficulty breathing.