The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 1,319 deaths from the ongoing diphtheria outbreak, with Kano State accounting for the majority of confirmed cases.
In its latest situation report from the National Diphtheria Emergency Operations Centre, published on Sunday, March 16, the agency revealed that over 42,000 suspected cases had been recorded across 37 states since 2022.
Diphtheria, a bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, primarily affects the throat and nose, producing a toxin that can lead to severe complications, including breathing difficulties, heart failure, and nerve damage.
Vaccination remains the best prevention, with early treatment using antitoxins and antibiotics crucial for managing the disease.
The NCDC highlighted persistent challenges in controlling the outbreak, citing “low vaccination coverage, inadequate laboratory capacity and delayed case confirmation.”
According to the report, Kano State accounts for 75 per cent of confirmed cases, with 18,108 of the 25,812 infections. Other high-burden states include Bauchi (2,334 cases), Yobe (2,408), and Katsina (1,501).
The case fatality rate stands at 5.1 per cent, meaning one in every 20 confirmed cases results in death. However, some states have reported even higher mortality rates, with Kaduna at 60 per cent, Plateau at 48 per cent, Lagos at 83 per cent, and Adamawa at 80 per cent.
In the most recent reporting week, 23 new suspected cases were recorded—20 in Lagos and three in Katsina—though none have been confirmed yet. The agency noted that 56.5 per cent of suspected cases remain unclassified due to delays in laboratory confirmation.
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Despite Nigeria’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), only 4,981 (19.3 per cent) of confirmed cases had received a full dose of diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccines, highlighting significant immunisation gaps.
Virologist Dr Solomon Chollom described the figures as alarming, noting that “the numbers indicate a critical gap in routine immunisation coverage, particularly in northern Nigeria.”
He stressed the need for urgent mass vaccination efforts, especially among children aged one to 14, who make up 62.9 per cent of confirmed cases. Chollom also pointed to Nigeria’s limited testing capacity as a major concern.
“In 2024, all cases were confirmed based on clinical symptoms rather than laboratory testing, indicating shortages of reagents and PCR capacity for diphtheria diagnosis. This raises concerns about the actual burden of the disease. Without widespread testing, we could be underreporting or misdiagnosing cases,” he warned.
Although the government has pledged to expand laboratory capacity and improve PCR testing, implementation has been slow.
In response to the crisis, the Federal Government has launched reactive vaccination campaigns in high-burden states and intensified community engagement efforts through traditional and religious leaders.
Health officials warn that without improved vaccination and surveillance efforts, the situation could deteriorate further.
To contain the outbreak, the government has outlined plans to; Strengthen case management and data harmonisation across affected states, improve laboratory diagnosis through PCR testing, expand vaccination coverage, particularly among children, boost public awareness through social media and community outreach.
Public health experts stress that preventive vaccination remains the best defence. Parents have been urged to ensure their children receive routine immunisations to curb the spread of the disease.