The University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, has recorded the death of a patient who was clinically diagnosed with diphtheria, prompting the hospital to commence contact tracing and decontamination measures.
The development was contained in an internal memo issued by the hospital management to Heads of Departments and Heads of Units.
According to the memo, the patient was managed at the hospital’s Children’s Emergency Room (CHER) but died two days after admission despite efforts by medical personnel to save the patient.
The hospital said contact tracing had commenced following the case, while the Children’s Emergency Room had also undergone proper decontamination.
UNTH management, however, urged members of the hospital community not to panic, noting that sporadic cases of diphtheria had been successfully managed at the facility in the past.
The hospital also directed staff to remain vigilant and familiarise themselves with symptoms associated with the disease.
Symptoms highlighted in the memo include fever, sore throat and difficulty in swallowing, with staff advised to seek prompt medical attention if they develop such symptoms.
The management further directed healthcare workers to continue observing standard precautionary measures while carrying out their clinical duties.
The memo was signed by the Chief Medical Advisory Committee, CMAC, of UNTH, Dr Charles Nonyelu.
The hospital did not disclose the identity, age or other personal details of the deceased patient.
It also did not indicate whether any staff member or other patient had tested positive following the case, stating only that contact tracing was ongoing.
Diphtheria is a contagious bacterial infection that can cause serious illness, making early detection, appropriate medical care and vaccination important measures in preventing its spread.
