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Diphtheria Outbreak in Nigeria: Over 1,300 Deaths Amid Vaccination Challenges

The NCDC reports over 1,319 deaths in Nigeria’s ongoing diphtheria outbreak, with significant vaccination gaps contributing to the crisis. The bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae causes severe respiratory complications. With over 42,000 suspected cases documented, particularly in Kano, public health experts stress the necessity of urgent vaccination campaigns and improved testing. The government’s response includes reactive vaccinations, community engagement, and better diagnostics to combat the outbreak and enhance public health.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported that over 1,319 fatalities have occurred due to the ongoing diphtheria outbreak in Nigeria. This information was revealed in the NCDC’s recent situation report from the National Diphtheria Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), made available on the agency’s official website.

Diphtheria, caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, is a severe infection affecting the mucous membranes, particularly in the throat and nose. The bacteria produce toxins that can lead to severe complications such as respiratory distress, heart failure, and nerve damage. Vaccination is essential for prevention, and early treatment with antitoxins and antibiotics is vital for disease management.

Since 2022, the NCDC has recorded over 42,000 suspected cases of diphtheria across 37 states. The report, focused on Epidemiological Week 10 of 2025, highlighted persistent challenges, such as low vaccination rates and delayed laboratory confirmations. Kano State, in particular, accounts for 75 percent of confirmed cases, with significant numbers also coming from Bauchi, Yobe, and Katsina.

The current case fatality rate (CFR) stands at 5.1 percent, indicating that approximately one in every 20 confirmed cases results in death. Certain states report even graver mortality rates: Kaduna (25 percent), Plateau (48 percent), Lagos (83 percent), and Adamawa (80 percent).

In the recent reporting week, the NCDC identified 23 new suspected cases—20 in Lagos and three in Katsina, although none have received confirmation yet. A significant portion of cases remains unclassified, attributed to delays in laboratory confirmation.

In light of this crisis, the Nigerian government has launched reactive vaccination campaigns in high-burden states and enhanced community engagement, collaborating with traditional and religious leaders to improve immunization rates. Public health experts underscore that late diagnosis and insufficient access to treatment could be factors contributing to the elevated fatality rates.

Despite the existence of Nigeria’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), only 19.3 percent of confirmed cases were fully vaccinated against diphtheria. Dr. Solomon Chollom, a medical virologist, emphasizes the urgent need for mass vaccination campaigns targeting children aged 1–14 years, who represent a substantial percentage of confirmed cases.

Moreover, the limited testing capacity in Nigeria poses an alarming challenge. In 2024, all confirmed cases were based on clinical symptoms rather than laboratory testing, indicating a shortage of necessary reagents and PCR diagnostics. Dr. Chollom expressed concerns regarding the potential underreporting or misdiagnosis of cases due to the lack of widespread testing.

The government has committed to enhancing laboratory capacity and streamlining PCR testing protocols, but progress has been sluggish. Experts reaffirm that immediate action is required through a nationwide vaccination initiative, improved surveillance, and a reliable supply of diagnostic resources.

As Nigeria confronts a serious diphtheria outbreak, officials warn that without essential improvements in vaccination and monitoring, conditions could worsen. The government plans several measures, including improved case management, enhanced laboratory diagnostics, expanded vaccination efforts targeting children, and bolstered public awareness initiatives.

In conclusion, public health experts continue to advocate for vaccination as the most effective preventive measure against diphtheria, urging parents to ensure their children receive the necessary immunizations to avert further outbreak severity.

In summary, Nigeria faces a critical diphtheria outbreak with more than 1,300 deaths recorded. Vaccination gaps, limited testing, and persistent public health challenges necessitate urgent actions. The Nigerian government is responding with vaccination campaigns and improved disease surveillance. Experts emphasize the importance of routine immunizations for children as a primary defense against the disease to mitigate further fatalities.

Original Source: sciencenigeria.com

Victor Reyes

Victor Reyes is a respected journalist known for his exceptional reporting on urban affairs and community issues. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Victor has dedicated his career to highlighting local stories that often go unnoticed by mainstream media. With over 16 years in the field, he possesses an extraordinary talent for capturing the essence of the neighborhoods he covers, making his work deeply relevant and impactful.

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