NOA launches state-wide sensitization campaign on diphtheria outbreak in Enugu State

The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Enugu State Directorate, says it has commenced a state-wide community sensitisation in response to the recent reported case of diphtheria outbreak in the state.

Mrs Clara Nwachukwu, the state Director of the agency confirmed that Enugu recorded a confirmed case of diphtheria in March 2025 involving a six-year-old girl.

She further explained that diphtheria was a highly contagious, but vaccine-preventable disease caused by the exotoxin-producing Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

She disclosed that the disease spreads primarily through direct contact or via respiratory droplets in the air.

The NOA state director noted that while individuals of any age who are unvaccinated remain at risk, children under five years are especially vulnerable to severe complications.

She added that “the 5–14-year-old age group often bears the greatest disease burden.

“We must protect our children by ensuring they receive all recommended vaccines.

“The Pentavalent vaccine, for example, safeguards against five life-threatening diseases, including diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type B.”

She said that Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers (COMOs) across the 17 local government areas of the state have been deployed to raise awareness about diphtheria symptoms.

She stressed the importance of immunisation and the need for early presentation at healthcare facilities.

Meanwhile, the State Epidemiologist, Dr Okechukwu Ogbodo, also confirmed the diphtheria case involving the young girl from Enugu North, who was treated at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla.

Ogbodo stressed the importance of early detection and prompt treatment to prevent fatalities.

He explained that “diphtheria is treatable when identified early, but late presentation can be deadly, as we have seen in past outbreaks in other states.

“Diphtheria symptoms typically develop gradually, beginning with sore throat, fever and swollen lymph nodes.

“Severe cases may also feature a thick grey or white coating in the throat, obstructing breathing. Other symptoms include runny nose, barking cough, nausea, vomiting, chills, weakness, and headaches.”