The NCDC reports over 1,300 diphtheria deaths in Nigeria, with more than 42,000 suspected cases documented. Key challenges include low vaccination rates and inadequate laboratory capacity. Experts call for urgent vaccination campaigns, particularly for children, and improvements in disease management and testing capabilities to curb the outbreak’s impact.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 1,319 deaths from the ongoing diphtheria outbreak in Nigeria. Detailed in a recent situation report from the National Diphtheria Emergency Operations Centre, over 42,000 suspected cases have been documented across 37 states since 2022. Diphtheria is a severe bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, typically affecting the throat and nose mucous membranes and producing toxins that can lead to serious health complications.
Vaccination is crucial for preventing diphtheria, alongside timely treatment with antitoxins and antibiotics. The NCDC emphasizes persistent challenges in controlling the outbreak, including low vaccination rates and inadequate laboratory capacity, resulting in delays in confirming cases. Kano State is notably affected, reporting 75% of confirmed instances. Additional high-burden states include Bauchi, Yobe, and Katsina, highlighting the regional distribution of the disease.
With a case fatality rate (CFR) of 5.1%, the mortality rate is even higher in certain areas, including Kaduna, Plateau, Lagos, and Adamawa. The latest report shows 23 new suspected cases, though none have yet been confirmed. A significant proportion of cases remains unclassified due to laboratory confirmation delays. The Federal Government has initiated reactive vaccination campaigns and is engaging traditional and religious leaders to address outreach efforts.
Experts stress that inadequate access to treatment and late diagnosis may worsen the high fatality rates. The report indicates that only 19.3% of confirmed cases were fully vaccinated against diphtheria. Dr. Solomon Chollom, a medical virologist, highlighted critical gaps in routine immunization, particularly in northern Nigeria, recommending urgent mass vaccination campaigns for children aged one to 14, who represent the majority of confirmed cases.
The shortage of testing capability in Nigeria is alarming, with all 2024 cases confirmed based on clinical symptoms rather than laboratory tests. This situation raises concerns about the true extent of the outbreak and the accuracy of case reporting. Experts continue to call for comprehensive vaccination drives, enhanced disease surveillance, and consistent supplies of diagnostic materials.
In light of the severe diphtheria outbreak, health officials indicate that failure to enhance vaccination and surveillance could exacerbate the situation. Proposed governmental actions include improving case management support, data integration across states, advancing laboratory diagnostics, and expanding vaccination programs. They also stress the importance of social media and community engagement to elevate public awareness about vaccination, which experts affirm remains the best defense against the disease.
In conclusion, Nigeria is facing a significant diphtheria outbreak, with over 1,300 fatalities reported. The ongoing challenges include low vaccination rates, insufficient laboratory capacity, and delays in case confirmation. Public health officials stress the importance of vaccination and renewed public health efforts to combat this outbreak effectively. Immediate actions, including mass vaccination campaigns and improvements in disease surveillance and treatment accessibility, are crucial to mitigating this public health crisis.
Original Source: dailynigerian.com
