Nigeria has reported over 1,300 deaths in an ongoing diphtheria outbreak, primarily due to low vaccination rates and delays in laboratory confirmation of cases. The NCDC indicates over 42,000 suspected cases across 37 states, with Kano State as the epicenter. Experts underscore the urgency of mass vaccination and improved testing capabilities to curb the spread of the disease.
Nigeria is currently facing a severe diphtheria outbreak, which has resulted in 1,319 recorded deaths according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). The NCDC’s situation report from the National Diphtheria Emergency Operations Centre highlights the ongoing issues, including low vaccination rates and delays in laboratory confirmations. Since 2022, over 42,000 suspected cases have emerged across 37 states, with Kano State accounting for a significant portion of cases.
Diphtheria, caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, primarily affects the throat and nose, posing serious health risks such as respiratory failure and heart damage. Vaccination is essential for prevention, while early treatment with antitoxins and antibiotics is critical. Alarmingly, among confirmed cases, only 19.3 percent were fully vaccinated, revealing a substantial gap in routine immunization, particularly in northern Nigeria.
The case fatality rate (CFR) stands at roughly 5.1 percent, though this varies by region, with some states reporting strikingly higher mortality rates. In response to the severe outbreak, the Federal Government has initiated targeted vaccination campaigns in affected states and enhanced community engagement efforts. Public health experts stress the necessity for immediate mass vaccination, especially for children aged one to 14, as they account for nearly 63 percent of confirmed cases.
Additionally, there are concerns regarding Nigeria’s limited testing capabilities, with many cases confirmed based solely on clinical symptoms rather than laboratory results. Experts warn this could mean the true extent of the outbreak is not adequately captured. Yet, despite government promises to improve laboratory facilities and protocols, progress remains slow.
To effectively combat this outbreak, health officials propose several strategic actions, including bolstering case management, enhancing laboratory diagnostics, and expanding vaccination campaigns to address immunity gaps. Public awareness initiatives are also crucial to ensuring that parents prioritize routine immunizations for their children.
In summary, Nigeria’s diphtheria outbreak presents a grave public health challenge, with significant fatalities and pervasive gaps in vaccination coverage. The Federal Government and health officials must prioritize enhanced vaccination campaigns, improved laboratory testing capabilities, and public awareness strategies to mitigate the crisis. Without decisive action, the situation threatens to deteriorate further, underscoring the critical need for a comprehensive response to this health emergency.
Original Source: www.pulse.ng