Diphtheria has resulted in 1,269 deaths in Nigeria since 2022, with 24,804 confirmed cases by January 2025. The recent death of a 12-year-old student at King’s College illustrates weaknesses in vaccination and disease surveillance. Experts emphasize the need for improved vaccination campaigns, robust surveillance, and public health education to combat this preventable disease.
Nigeria is currently facing a severe health crisis, as diphtheria has claimed 1,269 lives across 18 states since 2022, with 24,804 confirmed cases documented by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) as of January 26, 2025. The delayed response from health authorities highlights significant deficiencies within Nigeria’s public health system.
A tragic incident recently occurred at King’s College in Lagos, where a 12-year-old student succumbed to diphtheria after initially developing symptoms on February 22, 2025. Although he received antibiotics and a full dose of diphtheria antitoxin at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, complications arose, resulting in myocarditis and his subsequent death on March 6, 2025.
Following this event, health officials identified 34 close contacts of the deceased student, 14 of whom developed symptoms and required hospitalization. This localized outbreak serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing threat of diphtheria, shedding light on the inadequate vaccination coverage and ineffective disease surveillance that contribute to its spread.
Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, affecting the nose and throat, and can lead to severe complications such as blocked airways, heart damage, and neurological issues. Key symptoms include a severe sore throat, fever, swollen neck, respiratory difficulties, and thick patches in the throat. The disease spreads mainly via respiratory droplets and can persist on contaminated surfaces.
Despite being preventable through vaccination, Nigeria continues to experience significant mortality rates from diphtheria. Experts have identified three critical failures exacerbating the situation: inadequate vaccination coverage leading to missed DTaP vaccinations among children, weak disease surveillance hampering timely outbreak detection, and insufficient public awareness regarding the disease’s symptoms and vaccination needs.
The Lagos outbreak emphasizes the urgency for decisive government action to avert further fatalities. Recommended measures include launching aggressive nationwide vaccination campaigns in high-risk areas, enhancing disease surveillance for rapid case detection, and promoting public health awareness through schools, religious centres, and media outlets.
While government initiatives are essential, the role of individuals and families is equally important in combating diphtheria. This includes ensuring children receive necessary vaccinations, maintaining proper hygiene practices such as regular handwashing, and seeking prompt medical attention for any concerning symptoms.
Nigeria must not view diphtheria merely as another public health crisis; it remains a preventable disease that should not continue to claim lives in 2025. The recent case at King’s College stands as a stark reminder of the many avoidable deaths that could occur if immediate action is not undertaken by health authorities.
The ongoing diphtheria crisis in Nigeria, marked by 1,269 fatalities and 24,804 reported cases, calls for urgent and comprehensive governmental action. Enhanced vaccination efforts, improved disease surveillance, and heightened public awareness are critical in controlling this preventable disease. The tragic events at King’s College underscore the need for all stakeholders—including individuals and families—to engage actively in combating diphtheria to protect lives and public health in Nigeria.
Original Source: allafrica.com
