The Ondo State Government has called on the people of the state to maintain personal hygiene against a highly infectious disease caused by toxin-producing bacteria known as diphtheria.
This was made known in a statement on Monday by Prof. Dayo Faduyile, the Special Adviser on health to the state governor, Prof. Dayo Faduyile, stressing that diphtheria is infectious and poses a risk to everyone.
He made it clear that the life-threatening infection is caused by bacteria and can easily spread from person to person through droplets from coughing, sneezing, and skin contact.
While explaining that diphtheria can cause damage to the respiratory system, heart, skin, and other organs through the toxin produced by the bacteria known as Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Faduyile revealed that the incubation period for the disease is typically between two and ten days.
He admonished that everyone is susceptible to diphtheria, especially children under five years old and adults over 60 years old, adding that fatalities are more common among children below five years old and adults aged 40 and above.
He equally advised people living in crowded areas with poor personal hygiene practices, as well as those residing in areas with inadequate environmental hygiene and sanitation conditions, to be cautious of the disease’s spread.
The professor listed some common signs and symptoms of diphtheria, including sore throat, which can range from mild to severe, accompanied by a thick grey or white membrane covering the back of the throat and tonsils.
Other symptoms, according to him, may include general weakness, fatigue, hoarseness, or changes in voice when the vocal cords are affected.
He reassured the public that diphtheria is treatable and urged anyone having the signs and symptoms to promptly seek proper diagnosis and treatment at the nearest healthcare facility.
The Special Adviser, while speaking on preventive measures, disclosed that there are vaccinations available for children and booster doses for adults.
He encouraged residents to maintain good hygiene practices and emphasized the importance of vaccination, stating, “Get vaccinated, diphtheria can be primarily prevented through vaccination. Cover your mouth and nose with tissue or your bent elbow when coughing or sneezing.
“Dispose of used tissues immediately in a covered bin, avoid close contact with sick individuals, and refrain from sharing personal items.”
