There is a bacterial infection currently making people sick across Nigeria. It’s called diphtheria and so far 216 people have been infected and 40 have died in 4 states:

• Kano
• Yobe
• Osun
• Lagos

Diphtheria is a serious infection caused by a bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae which produces toxins that make people sick. The bacteria infects the respiratory system and can cause the following:

• Fever or high temperature
• Chills
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Weakness/tiredness
• Headache
• Cough
• Swollen glands in the neck
• Pain, redness, swelling and sores on the skin

The bacteria that causes diphtheria can spread from one person to another – mostly through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also spread from touching open sores or wounds of an infected person.

The diphtheria bacteria can infect anyone but the people who are most likely to get infected include:

• People who live in overcrowded or unclean environments
• Children and adults who don’t have up-to-date vaccinations. Diphtheria vaccine is given to children as a 5 in 1 vaccine – that means it helps protect children against 5 infectious diseases including diphtheria but it can only work well if you complete all 3 doses – taken at 6 weeks, 10 weeks, and 14 weeks old
  • If you have not been vaccinated with yet, be aware that you are at risk of catching it
  • In fact, 88% of the current cases of diphtheria in Nigeria are children and adults who were not vaccinated
• Anyone who travels to areas where diphtheria infections are more common

If you think you or one of your loved ones is sick and may have diphtheria, please visit your local health facility or:

• If you live in Lagos, call 1 of the 2 the official Lagos state reporting lines: 0816 566 8777 or 0816 805 7664
• If you live outside Lagos, call the NCDC toll-free number: 6232 or send an SMS to 08099555577