Nigeria Battles Escalating Diphtheria Outbreak: Over 41,000 Cases Reported
By LEVI JOHNSON
NCDC Calls for Urgent Vaccination to Curb Spread
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a worsening diphtheria outbreak, with 41,336 suspected cases recorded across 37 states. The outbreak, which has affected both children and adults, highlights critical gaps in vaccination coverage and underscores the need for urgent public health interventions.
🚨 Diphtheria Cases Surge Across Nigeria
According to the latest NCDC data, diphtheria cases have been reported in 350 local government areas between Epidemiological Week 19, 2022, and Epidemiological Week 4, 2025.
Of the 41,336 suspected cases:
✅ 24,846 cases (60.1%) have been confirmed.
❌ 7,769 cases (18.8%) were ruled out.
🕵 3,546 cases (8.6%) are still under investigation.
❓ 5,175 cases (12.5%) have unknown status.
📍 Most Affected States
The outbreak is concentrated in a few states, accounting for 96.5% of all suspected cases:
- Kano – 23,784 suspected cases
- Yobe – 5,302 suspected cases
- Katsina – 3,708 suspected cases
- Bauchi – 3,066 suspected cases
- Borno – 2,902 suspected cases
- Kaduna – 777 suspected cases
- Jigawa – 364 suspected cases
⚠️ Children at Highest Risk
A majority of confirmed cases (63.9%) occurred in children aged 1 to 14 years, highlighting the disease’s severe impact on younger populations.
📢 Alarmingly, only 20% of confirmed cases had received full vaccination with a diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine, signaling a serious gap in immunization coverage.
☠️ Death Toll and Case Fatality Rate (CFR)
The outbreak has resulted in 1,262 deaths, translating to a 5.1% case fatality rate (CFR) among confirmed cases.
🏥 NCDC’s Response and Public Health Measures
To curb the spread of diphtheria, the NCDC has intensified efforts in affected states through:
✅ Mass vaccination campaigns targeting vulnerable populations
✅ Public health awareness programs to educate citizens on prevention
✅ Enhanced surveillance and rapid response measures
💉 The Importance of Vaccination
Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It primarily affects the throat and nose, producing a toxin that can lead to:
❌ Severe breathing difficulties
❌ Heart and nervous system damage
❌ Fatal complications in severe cases
The diphtheria vaccine remains the best preventive measure and is part of routine childhood immunizations.
📢 Call to Action: Protect Yourself & Your Community
The NCDC urges parents and guardians to ensure that children receive all recommended vaccines to prevent further outbreaks.
📌 Stay informed. Get vaccinated. Report symptoms immediately.
🔍 Follow for More Updates
#DiphtheriaOutbreak,
#NigeriaHealth,
#VaccinateToProtect,
#NCDCAfrica,
#PublicHealth,
🚨 Your health is in your hands—Take action today!
