Panic in UNTH As Mgt Calls for Calm Over Suspected Diphtheria outbreak

There is apprehension among staff and community of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, over a suspected outbreak of a viral disease, diphtheria, in the tertiary hospital.

The social media in the state has been awash over claims that some students nurses and radiographers who had contact with a suspect patient, who allegedly came from a northern state, have died from the infection.

Daily Insider investigation from some staff of the hospital confirmed that almost all the staff of the hospital are in panic mode with some agreeing to go to work while others are dodging from duty posts.

But the Management of the hospital has urged the public to remain calm following the management of the clinically suspected case of diphtheria at its Children’s Emergency Room (CHER).

The hospital said the patient, who was admitted and managed appropriately, unfortunately died two days later despite efforts by the attending medical team.

In a statement, on Wednesday, by the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC) and Director of Clinical Service and Training, Dr. Charles Nonyelu, UNTH said a subsequent post-mortem review raised the possibility that the patient’s condition may have been caused by pharyngotonsillitis with massive exudate rather than diphtheria.

However, the hospital said it was taking precautionary measures in the interest of public safety, including ongoing contact tracing to identify and monitor people who may have had close contact with the patient.

UNTH also confirmed that the Children’s Emergency Room had been decontaminated in line with established infection prevention and control measures.

The management stressed that sporadic cases of diphtheria had been successfully managed at the hospital in the past, adding that the facility has the expertise and equipment required to manage such cases.

“There's therefore no cause for unnecessary panic or alarm,” the hospital said.

Against the backdrop of the ongoing diphtheria situation in Nigeria, UNTH advised members of the public to remain vigilant and watch for symptoms including fever, sore throat and difficulty in swallowing.

It urged anyone who develops such symptoms to seek prompt medical attention, while encouraging staff, patients and visitors to continue observing standard infection prevention and control measures.

The hospital assured the public that it would continue to take necessary steps to protect the health and wellbeing of patients, staff and the wider community.

It further urged members of the public to remain calm and rely on verified information concerning the suspected case.