NCDC Reports Severe Diphtheria Outbreak in Nigeria: Over 1,300 Deaths Recorded
The NCDC reports 1,319 deaths from a diphtheria outbreak in Nigeria, highlighting 42,000 suspected cases and significant vaccination gaps. Kano State has the highest confirmed cases, making up 75% of the total. Experts urge urgent mass vaccination and improved diagnostic capabilities to manage the outbreak effectively.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 1,319 deaths in an ongoing diphtheria outbreak affecting the country. This information was shared in a recent situation report from the National Diphtheria Emergency Operations Centre published on their official website. Diphtheria, caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, primarily impacts the throat and nose, leading to severe complications, including respiratory failure and nerve damage.
Vaccination is crucial in preventing diphtheria, and timely treatment with antitoxins and antibiotics is essential for managing the illness. Since the onset of the outbreak in 2022, over 42,000 suspected cases have been reported nationwide. The NCDC report, covering Epidemiological Week 10 of 2025, highlighted several challenges to controlling the outbreak, such as low vaccination rates and insufficient laboratory capacity for timely case confirmation.
A significant proportion of confirmed cases, around 75 percent, originate from Kano State, with 18,108 out of 25,812 reported cases. Other states affected include Bauchi (2,334), Yobe (2,408), and Katsina (1,501). The case fatality rate (CFR) stands at 5.1%, indicating that one in every 20 confirmed cases results in mortality. The report shows alarming mortality rates in several locales: 83% in Lagos, 80% in Adamawa, and 48% in Plateau.
In the latest week of reporting, 23 new suspected cases were documented, but none have been confirmed yet. Currently, 56.5% of cases remain unclassified due to laboratory confirmation delays. The Federal Government has responded with reactive vaccination campaigns in highly affected states, collaborating with traditional and religious leaders to enhance community engagement.
Experts are concerned that late diagnosis and limited treatment access are contributing to the high fatality rates. Only 19.3% of confirmed cases had received full vaccination with the diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine. Medical virologist Dr. Solomon Chollom pointed to a critical gap in routine immunisation, particularly in northern Nigeria, where children aged 1 to 14 years represent 62.9% of cases.
In 2024, cases were primarily confirmed based on clinical symptoms without laboratory testing, suggesting significant deficiencies in testing resources. This lack of testing raises concerns about the true scale of the outbreak. Although the government has promised enhancements to laboratory capabilities, progress has been slow.
Experts advocate for a national diphtheria vaccination initiative, improved surveillance, and consistent availability of diagnostic supplies. Given the severe diphtheria outbreak, officials warn that without bolstered vaccination and surveillance, the situation may deteriorate further. To combat this, government plans include better case management support, enhanced data sharing across states, and expanded vaccination efforts, particularly targeting children. Public health experts emphasize preventive vaccination as the best strategy, urging parents to ensure children receive necessary immunizations.
The NCDC has reported that Nigeria is experiencing a serious diphtheria outbreak, with significant mortality rates primarily due to insufficient vaccination coverage and delayed laboratory diagnosis. Active government and community efforts, including vaccination drives, are paramount to fight this outbreak effectively. Public health experts highlight the need for immediate action to close immunization gaps, particularly for vulnerable children to prevent further fatalities.
Original Source: dailynigerian.com
