Nigeria Faces Severe Diphtheria Outbreak: Over 1,300 Deaths Recorded

Nigeria’s diphtheria outbreak has claimed over 1,300 lives, with more than 42,000 suspected cases reported. Vaccination coverage remains alarmingly low, particularly in northern regions, while testing capabilities are insufficient. The government is implementing vaccination campaigns and seeking to improve laboratory capacities. Without urgent intervention, the situation is likely to deteriorate further.

Nigeria is grappling with a dire diphtheria outbreak, with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reporting 1,319 fatalities linked to the disease. As per the latest update from the National Diphtheria Emergency Operations Centre, over 42,000 suspected cases have emerged across 37 states since last year. Diphtheria, caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, primarily affects the throat and nose, leading to severe complications. Vaccination is essential to prevent the disease, alongside early intervention with antitoxins and antibiotics.

The NCDC highlighted that Kano State is particularly affected, accounting for 75% of confirmed cases, with Bauchi, Yobe, and Katsina also experiencing high burdens. The overall case fatality rate is 5.1%, with some states reporting even higher mortality rates. In the latest update, 23 new suspected cases were recorded, mainly in Lagos and Katsina, although none have been confirmed yet, with a significant portion of cases unclassified due to delays in confirming diagnoses.

The Federal Government is actively conducting reactive vaccination campaigns in states heavily impacted by diphtheria and is enhancing engagement with community leaders. However, public health experts have expressed concerns regarding late diagnoses and insufficient treatment access, contributing to the high fatality rates. The report noted a troubling finding: only 19.3% of confirmed cases were fully vaccinated, underscoring gaps in routine immunization, particularly in northern regions.

Dr. Solomon Chollom, a medical virologist, pointed out alarming issues such as the reliance on clinical symptoms for case confirmation, indicating a shortage of testing resources. The government has pledged to improve laboratory capacities and testing protocols, yet these efforts have seen slow progress. Experts suggest an immediate nationwide vaccination campaign, improved disease surveillance, and a continual supply of diagnostic materials to effectively combat the outbreak.

Consequently, health authorities stress that without enhanced vaccination, increased surveillance, and robust public awareness campaigns, the current situation could deteriorate further. Specific steps have been outlined by the government, including optimizing laboratory diagnostics, expanding vaccination coverage among children, and strengthening public health initiatives through social media and community outreach initiatives. Furthermore, public health experts emphasize that preventive vaccination remains the most effective strategy to protect children against this severe disease.

The ongoing diphtheria outbreak in Nigeria has led to significant fatalities and highlighted critical gaps in vaccination coverage. With over 1,300 deaths and thousands of suspected cases reported, the need for immediate action is clear. Enhanced vaccination efforts, improved laboratory testing, and rigorous public health campaigns must be prioritized to combat this public health crisis effectively. Health officials and experts strongly advocate for a nationwide vaccination push to safeguard vulnerable populations, especially children, and prevent the situation from worsening.

Original Source: www.pulse.ng