The NCDC reports over 1,319 deaths due to a diphtheria outbreak in Nigeria, highlighting critical vaccination gaps and inadequate healthcare responses. Ongoing challenges include low vaccination rates and insufficient laboratory capacities. High case fatality rates necessitate urgent mass vaccination, especially among children. Health experts emphasize the need for improved disease surveillance and testing to manage the crisis efficiently.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has documented over 1,319 deaths linked to the ongoing diphtheria outbreak in the country, according to their recent situation report issued by the National Diphtheria Emergency Operations Centre. The report underscores significant gaps in vaccination and surveillance that contribute to the crisis.
Diphtheria is a severe bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, predominantly affecting the throat and nasal mucous membranes. This bacterium produces a toxin that can result in serious complications, including respiratory difficulties, heart failure, and nerve damage. Vaccination is essential for prevention; however, immediate administration of antitoxins and antibiotics is critical for effective management of the disease.
Since 2022, over 42,000 suspected diphtheria cases have been reported across 37 Nigerian states. The NCDC highlighted ongoing challenges in combating the outbreak, including low vaccination rates and inadequate laboratory resources, which delay case confirmations.
Kano State has reported 75% of confirmed cases, with a total of 18,108 cases out of 25,812. Other states with significant burdens include Bauchi (2,334), Yobe (2,408), and Katsina (1,501). The case fatality rate currently stands at an alarming 5.1%, indicating a grim reality that one in 20 confirmed cases results in death, with significantly higher rates in states like Kaduna (25%), Plateau (48%), Lagos (83%), and Adamawa (80%).
In the latest reporting week, there were 23 new suspected cases—20 in Lagos and three in Katsina—but none were confirmed due to the classification delays, as 56.5% of cases remain unclassified. In response, the Nigerian government is implementing reactive vaccination initiatives in high-burden areas and enhancing community engagement by partnering with traditional and religious leaders to promote immunization.
Experts caution that late diagnoses and limited access to care could be exacerbating mortality rates. Despite the existence of Nigeria’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), data indicates that only 19.3% of confirmed cases received full vaccination with a diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine. Dr. Solomon Chollom, a medical virologist, points out the urgent need for nationwide vaccination campaigns aimed primarily at children aged 1–14, who represent about 62.9% of confirmed cases.
A critical concern raised is Nigeria’s restricted testing capabilities. In 2024, case confirmations relied on clinical symptoms rather than laboratory tests, highlighting reagent shortages and limited PCR capacity for diphtheria diagnostics. This lack of widespread testing may lead to underreporting or misdiagnosis of the disease burden.
The government aims to enhance laboratory capacities and improve PCR testing protocols. Despite these intentions, implementation has been sluggish, raising concerns among health experts about the efficacy of current efforts. Health professionals emphasize the necessity of a comprehensive diphtheria vaccination initiative alongside improved surveillance and a consistent supply of diagnostic resources. Without enhanced vaccination and awareness strategies, Nigeria risks facing a worsening diphtheria outbreak.
The outbreak of diphtheria in Nigeria has resulted in over 1,319 deaths, driven by vaccination gaps and inadequate healthcare response. With majorities of confirmed cases occurring in Kano State and alarming case fatality rates in several regions, it is critical to ramp up vaccination efforts, particularly among children. The need for enhanced surveillance and testing capabilities remains urgent to effectively manage and mitigate this health crisis.
Original Source: sciencenigeria.com
