Nigeria’s Diphtheria Outbreak: Over 1,300 Deaths Amidst Vaccination Gaps
The NCDC reports 1,319 deaths in a diphtheria outbreak in Nigeria, with over 42,000 suspected cases across 37 states. The disease, primarily affecting the throat, has a mortality rate of 5.1% and significant vaccination gaps persist. Urgent vaccinations and improved public health efforts are recommended to combat the crisis.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a significant death toll of 1,319 due to a diphtheria outbreak in Nigeria, as indicated in their latest report from the National Diphtheria Emergency Operations Centre. The disease, caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, typically impacts the throat and nasal mucous membranes, leading to severe complications, including respiratory failure and heart damage. Vaccination remains the most effective prevention method, supplemented by timely treatments using antitoxins and antibiotics.
Since 2022, NCDC has identified over 42,000 suspected diphtheria cases across 37 states, with the latest report focusing on Epidemiological Week 10 of 2025. The response reveals ongoing challenges such as low vaccination rates, insufficient laboratory capacities, and delayed confirmations of cases. Notably, Kano State has reported the majority of confirmed cases, accounting for 75% of the total, with states like Bauchi, Yobe, and Katsina also showing significant numbers.
The current case fatality rate stands at 5.1%, indicating that one in 20 confirmed cases results in death, with some states reporting even higher rates, such as Kaduna at 48% and Lagos at a staggering 83%. In the latest reporting week, 23 new suspected cases were logged, predominantly in Lagos and Katsina, although confirmations remain pending due to delays.
In response to the crisis, the Federal Government has initiated reactive vaccination campaigns in high-burden areas and has increased community engagement efforts with traditional and religious leaders. Experts highlight that late diagnoses and limited access to treatment contribute to elevated mortality rates. Alarmingly, only 19.3% of confirmed cases were fully vaccinated, pointing towards critical gaps in immunisation, especially in northern Nigeria.
Dr. Solomon Chollom, a medical virologist, underscored the urgent necessity for mass vaccination campaigns targeting children aged one to 14 years, who constitute a significant percentage of confirmed cases. He noted that in 2024, clinical symptoms sufficed for confirmation without laboratory testing, highlighting a shortage of necessary diagnostic capacity.
The government has expressed a commitment to enhancing laboratory capabilities and optimizing protocols for PCR testing, though progress has been slow. Public health experts advocate for a nationwide diphtheria vaccination campaign, improved disease monitoring, and a reliable supply of diagnostic materials. The situation in Nigeria remains precarious, prompting calls for enhanced vaccination and surveillance efforts to preempt further escalation of the outbreak.
In summary, Nigeria continues to grapple with a severe diphtheria outbreak, marked by over 1,300 fatalities and a substantial number of suspected cases. The critical gaps in vaccination coverage, particularly among children, combined with inadequate laboratory capabilities and delayed case confirmations, exacerbate the crisis. Urgent measures are necessary, including enhanced vaccination campaigns and better disease monitoring, to mitigate the ongoing health threat posed by diphtheria.
Original Source: dailynigerian.com
