Hobnob News – Nigeria is battling a severe diphtheria outbreak, with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reporting a staggering 41,336 suspected cases across the country. The outbreak, which has persisted since 2022, has severely impacted children, raising concerns over vaccination coverage and public health preparedness.
Scale of the Outbreak
According to the latest data from the NCDC, the outbreak has spread to all 37 states, affecting 350 local government areas between Epidemiological Week 19 of 2022 and Epidemiological Week 4 of 2025. Of the reported cases, 24,846 (60.1%) have been confirmed, while 7,769 (18.8%) were ruled out. Meanwhile, 3,546 cases (8.6%) remain under classification, and the status of 5,175 cases (12.5%) is still unknown.
The burden of the outbreak is concentrated in a few northern states, with Kano State recording the highest number of suspected cases at 23,784. Other severely affected states include Yobe (5,302), Katsina (3,708), Bauchi (3,066), Borno (2,902), Kaduna (777), and Jigawa (364). Together, these seven states account for 96.5% of all suspected cases.
Children Most Affected, Vaccination Gaps Exposed
Disturbingly, the majority of confirmed cases—15,845 (63.9%)—occurred in children aged one to 14 years, underscoring the devastating impact on younger populations. The NCDC further revealed that only 4,963 (20%) of confirmed cases had received full vaccination with a diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine, exposing significant gaps in immunisation coverage.
“The high number of unvaccinated individuals suggests that many children remain vulnerable to this preventable disease. Strengthening immunisation efforts is critical to curbing the spread,” the agency stated.
Deaths and Fatality Rate
The outbreak has led to 1,262 recorded deaths, translating to a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 5.1% among confirmed cases. Kano State has the highest number of confirmed cases at 17,770, followed by Bauchi (2,334), Yobe (2,380), Katsina (1,088), Borno (1,036), Jigawa (53), Plateau (31), and Kaduna (44). Collectively, these states account for 99.4% of all confirmed cases.
In a more recent update, eight suspected cases were recorded across five local government areas in two states, with six (75%) confirmed as clinically compatible with diphtheria. Fortunately, no new fatalities have been reported in these cases, maintaining a CFR of 0% for the latest occurrences.
Urgent Public Health Response Required
The NCDC has emphasized the urgent need for intensified vaccination campaigns and broader public health interventions, especially in the northern region, where the majority of cases are concentrated. The agency has called for public health awareness campaigns, improved disease surveillance, and rapid response initiatives in high-risk areas.
“With the majority of cases occurring in children, expanding immunisation efforts remains a top priority,” the agency stated. “We are working closely with state governments, international partners, and other stakeholders to ensure an effective response to this crisis.”
Understanding Diphtheria and Prevention
Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It primarily affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, producing a thick, grey or white coating that can obstruct airways, making breathing difficult. In severe cases, the infection can lead to complications affecting the heart, nervous system, and other organs.
Immunisation remains the most effective preventive measure, with the diphtheria vaccine included as part of routine childhood vaccinations. Health experts urge parents to ensure their children receive complete vaccination doses to prevent the spread of the disease and avoid fatalities.
Way Forward
As Nigeria continues to combat this outbreak, the government and health agencies must work together to close the vaccination gap, deploy resources efficiently, and educate the public on the importance of immunisation. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure, ensuring vaccine accessibility, and enforcing routine immunisation programs will be critical in preventing further outbreaks and safeguarding public health.
