Are you feeling feverish, weighed down by a cough, and sore throat? You may be experiencing diphtheria, not malaria.
Diphtheria is a contagious disease caused by a bacterium called Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It affects the respiratory (nose and throat) system of the body.
Its symptoms are similar to those of malaria, but there is a notable difference. The symptoms typically begin two to five days after infection. If left untreated, a thick, white, or grey substance or membrane begins to cover the throat, making it difficult to breathe.
Other symptoms include a sore throat, hoarseness, fever, tiredness, headache, difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, and bloody nasal discharge (also known as bloody mucus).
In other cases, this bacterium can affect the skin, causing a different type of diphtheria known as cutaneous diphtheria. It is a rare type that causes pain, redness, and ulcers that can cover the skin anywhere, as well as swelling, similar to other bacterial skin infections. Someone infected by this type of diphtheria can die.
Corynebacterium diphtheriae is contracted by airborne droplets when an infected person sneezes or coughs. He/she releases a mist of the bacteria, and people around who breathe it in can contract the disease.
Also, just like any other Communicable disease, it can be contracted when someone uses items or things that a person has contaminated with the disease. Touching the wound of a toxic person can lead to infection.
There is a twist. There are carriers of this disease. Yes, some people contract these diseases but do not get sick, and are called carriers and can infect other people.
According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases(NIDC), diphtheria affects persons of all ages, with young children at higher risk of dying.
Given the outbreak in the country, various states have been affected, and deaths have occurred. For instance, the Edo State government experiences two deaths. At the same time, health workers like Maryam Umar, who lives in Bosso Low-Cost locality in Niger State, have taken it upon themselves to educate communities about the disease and its effects on them and their children.
Diphtheria vaccinations are available. The vaccines include Td (Tetanus and Diphtheria) or Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis). Both children ( 7 -12) and adults can be vaccinated. Seek a medical assistant for proper intake of these vaccines.
In the case of Edo State, 70 doses of anti-diphtheria vaccines were sent to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital by the government to combat the outbreak of the disease, after the death of two, six confirmed cases, and rapid spread to other local government areas in the state.
Practice active hygiene activities, such as washing your hands regularly with soap and running water. When sneezing, sneeze into your elbow, not your hands. If you are experiencing symptoms of diphtheria, visit a medical facility.
