The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has commenced a campaign on the causes and prevention of diphtheria in Ebonyi communities following an outbreak in some states of the South-East geopolitical zone.
Theophilus Nwokpor, the agency’s state director, said in Abakaliki on Monday that the campaign became necessary to save lives.
Mr Nwokpor hinted that the disease had earlier been reported in some communities in the neighbouring states of Abia, Enugu and Imo.
He said the agency had mapped out strategies to enlighten people in 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.
Mr Nwokpor said, “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 diphtheria disease is.
“We are also enlightening the people on the causes, symptoms, prevention and what is expected of them if they suspect the disease.”
The director explained that diphtheria was a serious infection that produces a toxin that damages tissue.
“It is caused by bacteria and typically affects the nose, throat and sometimes the skin, causing a thick, grey 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.
Mr Nwokpor added that some symptoms include sore throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, fever and chills.
“Other symptoms are swollen glands in the neck, a thick grey membrane in the throat and, in some cases, skin ulcers,” he added.
The director said the main people at risk were unvaccinated children and adults, especially those in close contact 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 (which includes diphtheria prevention) and booster doses for adolescents and adults are also helpful.
“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 of the state and development centres had commenced a campaign against the disease.
“We have visited some communities, including Oguzoro Onwia in Ebonyi local government, Nauru Akpa in Ohaukwu, and Nchoku community in Izzi, among others,” he stated.
NAN