Kano and Katsina states are leading with the highest number of diphtheria-related deaths, the latest situation report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has shown.
The report confirmed 1,319 deaths and 25,812 confirmed cases out of 42,642 suspected cases across 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Kano State, according to the report recorded the highest number of cases, with 24,239 infections, followed by Yobe (5,330), Katsina (4,237), Bauchi (3,066), Borno (3,058), Kaduna (777), and Jigawa (364), collectively accounting for 96.3 per cent of suspected cases.
On fatalities, Kano recorded 850 deaths, followed by Katsina (114), Yobe (109), Bauchi (104), Borno (68), Plateau (29), Kaduna (11), Jigawa (seven), and FCT (seven). Other states also recorded single-digit deaths.
In terms of age distribution, the report highlighted that 16,234 cases (62.9 per cent) were among children aged one to 14 years, while only 4,981 (19.3 per cent) of the confirmed cases had received full vaccination with a diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine.
The NCDC states that it is providing technical and offsite support to affected states for case identification, reporting, and response, with a focus on states with low case detection. However, the centre noted challenges, including low test positivity rates, inadequate laboratory reagents and consumables, and difficulties in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of clinical samples.
To address these gaps, the agency plans to continue data harmonisation, field support, capacity building for PCR testing, and provision of laboratory consumables. Additionally, it is leveraging social media engagement, interviews with survivors, and genomic sequencing to enhance disease tracking and response efforts.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The disease primarily affects the throat and upper respiratory tract, producing toxins that can lead to severe complications such as heart failure, paralysis, and respiratory distress.
Diphtheria spreads through respiratory droplets, direct contact with infected individuals, or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include sore throat, fever, swollen glands, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, a thick gray membrane can form in the throat, leading to airway obstruction.
WHO recommends routine immunisation with diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccines as the most effective preventive measure. Timely diagnosis and prompt administration of diphtheria antitoxin and antibiotics are crucial in managing the disease and reducing fatalities.
