The Ministry of Health has urged Nigerians to make conscious efforts to avoid contracting diphtheria, adding that everyone is at risk of being infected with the disease.

The ministry’s Health Promotion Department on Monday issued a health advisory, asking Nigerians to be cautious and protect themselves, as the disease, a life-threatening infection caused by bacteria, is easily transmitted from person to person through coughing, sneezing and contact with open sore/blister/wound on the skin.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) as of June 30, confirmed 798 diphtheria cases from 33 local government areas in eight states, including the FCT.

Diphtheria disease is caused by bacteria which produces a toxin that causes severe damage to the respiratory system, heart, skin and other organs, with an incubation period of usually two to five days after exposure.