A diphtheria outbreak in Nigeria has resulted in a total of 836 confirmed cases and 80 deaths between May and June 2023, according to a situation report released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). The confirmed cases were reported in 33 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across seven states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The report revealed that during the same period, a total of 2,455 suspected cases were reported from 24 states, with 71.5 per cent of the confirmed cases occurring among children aged two to 14 years. Alarmingly, despite diphtheria being a vaccine-preventable disease, only 21.7 per cent (181 cases) of the confirmed cases had received a “diphtheria toxin-containing vaccine.”
Kano State accounted for the majority of confirmed cases, with 819 out of the total 836 cases. Lagos State followed with eight cases, while Yobe and Katsina states reported three and two cases, respectively. The FCT, Osun, Kaduna, and Cross River states recorded a single case each.
The NCDC explained that diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection affecting the nose, throat, and sometimes the skin. Children and adults who have not been vaccinated, those living in crowded environments with poor sanitation, and healthcare workers exposed to suspected or confirmed cases are at higher risk of contracting the disease.
Diphtheria spreads easily between people through direct contact with infected individuals, droplets from coughing or sneezing, and contact with contaminated clothing and objects. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, red eyes (conjunctivitis), and neck swelling. In severe cases, a thick grey or white patch may appear on the tonsils and/or the back of the throat, leading to breathing difficulties.
The NCDC emphasized the importance of full vaccination against diphtheria for children, recommending three doses of the pentavalent vaccine as per the childhood immunization schedule. Healthcare workers were urged to be vigilant for symptoms of diphtheria, while individuals showing signs of the disease should isolate themselves and notify their local government area’s state disease surveillance officer.
