The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed three new diphtheria cases and one death. This update comes from its latest situation report for week 11.
New Cases and Fatality Rate
The NCDC identified these cases among 16 suspected infections across four local government areas in two states. However, the confirmed cases were diagnosed based on clinical symptoms, with no laboratory confirmations or epidemiological links reported.
Sadly, the recent death brings the case fatality rate (CFR) to 33.3% for these new cases.
Diphtheria in Nigeria: The Bigger Picture
Since week 19 of 2022, Nigeria has recorded 42,805 suspected diphtheria cases across 351 local government areas in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Out of these, 25,977 cases (60.7%) have been confirmed, including 396 through laboratory testing, 238 linked epidemiologically, and 25,353 identified based on clinical symptoms.
The highest number of suspected cases comes from Kano (24,385), Yobe (5,330), Katsina (4,253), Bauchi (3,066), Borno (3,059), Kaduna (777), and Jigawa (364). These states account for 96.3% of all suspected cases.
Confirmed cases have been reported in 187 LGAs across 26 states, with Kano (18,254), Bauchi (2,334), Yobe (2,383), Katsina (1,517), Borno (1,161), Jigawa (53), Plateau (119), and Kaduna (44) making up 99.1% of the total. The majority of cases, about 63.8%, have been found in children between the ages of one and 14 years.
The NCDC has raised concerns about low vaccination rates, which continue to fuel the outbreak. So far, 1,319 deaths have been recorded among confirmed cases, with a CFR of 5.1%.
Government and Public Health Response
To curb the spread, the NCDC is working with international partners like the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. Together, they are boosting surveillance, launching vaccination campaigns, and educating communities on the importance of immunization and early treatment.
The NCDC is urging parents to ensure their children receive the full diphtheria vaccine as part of routine immunization. Healthcare workers are also advised to stay alert for symptoms and follow strict infection prevention measures to stop further transmission.
Understanding Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It mainly affects the throat and upper airways, releasing toxins that can cause breathing problems, heart complications, and nerve damage.
The disease spreads easily through respiratory droplets, direct contact, or contaminated surfaces. However, it is preventable with vaccines, which are part of regular immunization programs worldwide.
Final Thoughts
With new cases still emerging, Nigeria’s fight against diphtheria is far from over. Increased vaccination, early detection, and public awareness remain key to stopping the outbreak. Authorities continue to urge everyone to take preventive measures and seek medical care at the first sign of symptoms.
