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

The NCDC reports 1,319 diphtheria deaths in Nigeria, with ongoing concerns about vaccination gaps and disease management. Kano State accounts for a significant portion of cases, and the case fatality rate stands at 5.1%. Public health initiatives are underway to address these challenges and expand vaccination coverage, particularly among vulnerable children.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported that the ongoing diphtheria outbreak has resulted in 1,319 fatalities in Nigeria. Published on their official website, the latest situation report from the National Diphtheria Emergency Operations Centre highlights distressing trends in vaccination rates and disease management. Diphtheria, a severe bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, predominantly affects the throat and nose, producing toxins that may lead to breathing issues, heart failure, or nerve damage.

Since 2022, over 42,000 suspected cases have been reported across 37 states. The report notes that Kano State alone accounts for 75 percent of confirmed cases, with 18,108 recorded. Other states with significant case counts include Bauchi (2,334), Yobe (2,408), and Katsina (1,501). The case fatality rate currently stands at 5.1 percent, indicating that one in 20 confirmed cases results in death, with some states exhibiting even higher mortality rates.

In the latest reporting week, 23 new suspected cases were noted—20 in Lagos and three in Katsina—yet none have been confirmed. The report reveals that 56.5 percent of cases remain unclassified due to delays in laboratory confirmations. The NCDC has initiated reactive vaccination efforts and enhanced community engagement to mitigate the outbreak’s impact.

Experts are concerned that inadequate access to timely diagnosis and treatment contributes to high fatality rates. Despite the Expanded Programme on Immunisation, only 19.3 percent of confirmed cases were fully vaccinated against diphtheria. Dr. Solomon Chollom emphasized the urgent need for extensive vaccination campaigns, particularly for children aged one to 14 years, who represent 62.9 percent of confirmed cases.

He also highlighted that in 2024, the majority of diphtheria cases were confirmed through clinical symptoms alone, indicating a critical gap in laboratory testing capacity. There are ongoing government commitments to enhance laboratory capabilities, yet progress has been slow. Experts advocate for a comprehensive nationwide vaccination campaign, bolstered disease surveillance, and a consistent supply of diagnostic materials to address the outbreak and prevent further deterioration.

Public health officials have outlined several steps to tackle this issue, including improving data management and laboratory diagnostics, expanding vaccination programs for vulnerable populations, and increasing public awareness through social campaigns. Vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure, and parents are urged to ensure their children receive routine immunizations to protect against diphtheria.

The diphtheria outbreak in Nigeria has resulted in over 1,300 deaths amid significant vaccination gaps and challenges in health infrastructure. With Kano State reporting the highest case counts, and mortality rates elevated in several regions, the situation demands urgent attention. Health officials are calling for comprehensive vaccination initiatives and enhanced disease surveillance capabilities to combat the outbreak effectively. Public health experts emphasize the importance of preventive vaccination as the strongest defense against diphtheria.

Original Source: dailynigerian.com