Nigeria has reported 1,319 deaths due to diphtheria amidst low vaccination rates and limited laboratory capacity. The outbreak continues to affect various states, particularly Kano, which has the highest number of cases. Public health experts emphasize the need for immediate action, including mass vaccination and improved diagnostics.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) recently reported that the country has recorded 1,319 deaths due to a diphtheria outbreak, which has persisted since 2022. The NCDC highlighted this alarming statistic in its latest situation report on the National Diphtheria Emergency Operations Centre. Diphtheria, caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, primarily affects the mucous membranes in the throat and nose, potentially leading to serious health complications.
Preventive vaccination is essential to combat diphtheria, accompanied by early treatment using antitoxins and antibiotics. As of now, over 42,000 suspected cases have been documented across 37 states. The NCDC’s report indicates that Kano State is notably affected, accounting for 75% of confirmed cases, with significant numbers also emerging from Bauchi, Yobe, and Katsina states.
The report indicates a concerning case fatality rate of 5.1 percent, meaning that one in every 20 confirmed cases has resulted in death. In several states, the mortality rate surpasses average; for instance, Kaduna reported 8 percent, while Lagos and Adamawa recorded death rates of 83 percent and 80 percent, respectively. Recent updates showed 23 new suspected cases, with only a small portion of cases confirmed due to delays in laboratory testing.
The NCDC noted that the Federal Government has initiated reactive vaccination campaigns in the most affected states and has prioritized community engagement with traditional and religious leaders. Public health experts assert that high fatality rates may be linked to late diagnoses and inadequate access to treatment, calling attention to the significant gap in vaccination coverage.
Despite Nigeria’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), only 19.3% of confirmed diphtheria cases were fully vaccinated with the necessary diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine. Dr. Solomon Chollom highlighted this urgent need for mass vaccination campaigns targeting children aged one to 14, who represent a majority of confirmed cases.
Adding to the concern, experts revealed that in 2024, many cases were only confirmed through clinical symptoms, not laboratory testing, which raises doubts about the true extent of the outbreak. The government has pledged improvements in laboratory capacities and testing protocols, although progress has been reportedly slow.
Experts advocate for comprehensive vaccination drives, enhanced disease surveillance, and consistent supplies of diagnostic materials to manage the outbreak effectively. Without these improvements in vaccination and surveillance strategies, Nigeria may continue to face one of its most severe diphtheria outbreaks in decades.
In conclusion, Nigeria is grappling with a severe diphtheria outbreak which has led to over 1,300 fatalities. The situation is exacerbated by low vaccination rates, inadequate laboratory testing, and insufficient disease surveillance. To address these challenges, public health experts advocate for immediate mass vaccination campaigns and improved access to diagnostics and treatments. Without urgent action, the diphtheria situation could deteriorate further.
Original Source: www.pulse.ng
