- Nigeria recorded 12,085 suspected diphtheria cases according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC)
- Confirmed fatality cases have reached 3.9% with 309 deaths cases as of Wednesday, September 11
- An epidemiology report showed 36,151 suspected cases and 1,103 deaths from diphtheria from 2022 to 2024
Nigeria recorded about 12,085 suspected diphtheria cases, with a death toll of 309, at a fatality rate of 3.9 per cent by September 11, 2024.
This was disclosed by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, September 11.
Dr Jide Idris, Director General of the NCDC said, “In collaboration with partners, notably, Breakthrough Action – Nigeria, we conducted the development of surveillance and outbreak response guidelines for diphtheria, deployment of DAT and I.V Erythromycin to states and facilities, the establishment of a diphtheria laboratory testing network across states, routine support to state labs with diphtheria testing reagents, and routine monitoring and proficiency testing across the diphtheria laboratory network.
Death toll reaches 1,103 from 2022 - 2024
The NCDC confirmed 7,784 cases in 170 local government areas spanning 21 states.
The figures include deaths from Kano (169), Bauchi (59), Katsina (52), Borno (19), Yobe (four), Edo (two), Jigawa (two), FCT (one), and Nasarawa (one).
The epidemiology report covering weeks 22 of 2022 to week 35 of 2024 indicated that 36,151 suspected cases were reported across 36 states and the FCT, spanning 332 LGAs. In contrast, confirmed cases totalled 21,938 across 26 states and 173 LGAs.
It reported that the confirmed death toll had reached 1,103, with a case fatality rate of 5.0 per cent.
NCDC highlights measures for diphtheria control, prevention
Dr Jide Idris, Director General of the NCDC , noted that the organisation routinely conducts National Emergency Operation Centre meetings and extends operational support to the EOC and its sub-national levels.
“In collaboration with states, conduct active case search, contact tracing and management, and in collaboration with Africa CDC and states, conduct case management and infection prevention and control training for healthcare workers involved in diphtheria treatment.
“In collaboration with NPHCDA, states and partners, the conduct of reactive vaccinations across states, and in collaboration with Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience Department, conduct intra-action review/after action review of response activities at national and sub-national levels,” Idris concluded.
What is diphtheria?
Diphtheria, a serious infection caused by the Corynebacterium bacterium, affects the nose, throat, and occasionally the skin.
“Early recognition and prompt treatment are critical to managing this disease and preventing severe complications.
“As a reminder, diphtheria spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes; through close contacts with, or by touching contaminated objects,” Dr Idris noted.
What are the symptoms of Diphtheria?
Diphtheria symptoms include fever, sore throat, conjunctivitis (red eyes), runny nose, cough, and neck swelling.
In severe instances, the NCDC reported that a thick grey or white patch may develop on the tonsils or at the back of the throat, accompanied by breathing difficulties.
“Symptoms usually begin two to five days after infection and can include fever, chills, sore throat, difficulty breathing, swollen glands in the neck, nasal discharge, fatigue which can lead to breathing difficulties,” Dr Jide Idris, Director General of the NCDC explained.
Mpox outbreak could make entire African continent declare public health emergency
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the African continent was poised to declare a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) as the Mpox (Monkeypox) outbreak continues to spread across many countries.
This move would help mobilise resources, enhance cross-border responses, and strengthen health systems to combat the outbreak.