The diphtheria outbreak in Nigeria has led to over 1,319 fatalities as reported by the NCDC. Key issues include low vaccination rates, particularly in northern states, and limited laboratory testing capacities. The government is launching vaccination campaigns targeting high-burden areas, aiming to improve public health response and disease management.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported that the ongoing outbreak of diphtheria in Nigeria has resulted in over 1,319 deaths. This information was released in the NCDC’s latest situation report from its National Diphtheria Emergency Operations Centre, published on their official website on Sunday.
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae which primarily affects the mucous membranes in the throat and nose. The bacteria can produce toxins that may lead to serious complications, including respiratory issues, heart failure, and nerve damage. Vaccination serves as the primary means of prevention, and immediate treatment with antitoxins and antibiotics is pivotal for managing the condition.
Since 2022, the NCDC has documented over 42,000 suspected cases of diphtheria across 37 states. The situation report highlighted ongoing challenges such as low vaccination coverage, limited laboratory capacity, and delays in case confirmations. Kano State alone accounts for 75 percent of all confirmed cases, with 18,108 out of 25,812.
The case fatality rate currently stands at 5.1 percent, indicating that one in every twenty confirmed cases results in death. Notably, some states exhibit significantly higher mortality rates, including Kaduna at 25 percent, Plateau at 48 percent, Lagos at 83 percent, and Adamawa at 80 percent. The latest reporting week revealed 23 new suspected cases, yet none have been confirmed, with 56.5 percent of cases still awaiting classification due to delays in laboratory confirmations.
In response to the crisis, the Nigerian government has initiated reactive vaccination campaigns in high-burden states and has improved engagement with community leaders to increase immunization efforts. Public health experts have highlighted that late diagnosis and limited access to treatment are likely factors contributing to the high fatality rates. Despite Nigeria’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), only 19.3 percent of confirmed cases had received the diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine.
Dr. Solomon Chollom, a medical virologist, noted a critical gap in immunization coverage, especially in northern Nigeria. He called for urgent mass vaccination initiatives aimed specifically at children aged 1 to 14, who represent 62.9 percent of confirmed cases. Furthermore, Nigeria’s limited testing capabilities pose a significant challenge; in 2024, all cases were confirmed based solely on clinical symptoms due to shortages in testing materials, indicating potential underreporting.
The government has committed to enhancing laboratory capacity and streamlining PCR testing protocols, though progress has been slow. Experts insist on the necessity for a comprehensive diphtheria vaccination program, robust disease surveillance, and a reliable supply of diagnostic materials. Without substantial improvement in vaccination and surveillance methods, officials caution that Nigeria’s diphtheria situation could worsen further.
Next steps outlined by the government include bolstering case management support, enhancing laboratory diagnosis via PCR testing, expanding vaccination efforts particularly among children, and facilitating public awareness campaigns. Public health professionals continue to emphasize that preventive vaccination is the most effective defense against diphtheria, urging parents to ensure their children receive timely immunizations.
In conclusion, Nigeria is grappling with a severe diphtheria outbreak, accounting for over 1,319 deaths. Low vaccination rates and inadequate testing capabilities exacerbate the crisis, especially among children. The government is initiating vaccination campaigns and improving laboratory capacities, but challenges remain. Without urgent and effective measures, there is a significant risk of further deterioration of the outbreak, highlighting the necessity for widespread vaccination and enhanced disease management.
Original Source: sciencenigeria.com
