Au NigeriaNigerian health authorities issued a public health advisory last week due to an outbreak of diphtheria in several states.
There are reports of diphtheria cases in the state of Kano, where no less than 25 people have died. In addition, cases have been reported in the states of Lagos
, Osun
et Yobe.
Reminders on the diphtheria :
The diphtheria is a highly contagious disease caused by Corynebacterium of the diphtheriae complex, which includes the species Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Corynebacterium ulcerans et Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. These three species of bacteria are capable of producing diphtheria toxin. This toxin is essentially responsible for the clinical manifestations.
The mode of transmission is by air during direct contact with patients or healthy carriers through aerosols emitted by coughing and sneezing.
The incubation period for diphtheria is usually 2 to 5 days.
- Diphtheria angina is the usual form of the disease. It is characterized by pharyngitis, fever, neck swelling and headache. The most characteristic symptom of this disease is the presence of whitish “false membranes” in the tonsils or in the wound. In some cases the toxin can lead to paralysis of the central nervous system or of the diaphragm and throat leading to death by asphyxiation.
- There is also a cutaneous form with chronic wounds.
Recommendations for travelers:
Although travelers are not at particular risk of diphtheria infection, national authorities are recommended to remind travelers to areas where diphtheria outbreaks have occurred that they should be properly vaccinated before travelling, in accordance with the national vaccination program established in each country. In France, primary vaccination is mandatory for children at 2, 4 and 11 months, followed by boosters at 6 years, 11-13 years, 25 years, 45 years and 65 years, then every 10 years.
