Diphtheria Cases In Nigeria Rise By 216

The Nigeria Center for Disease Control, NCDC has reported 216 new cases of diphtheria with 40 deaths in Nigeria.

Kano, Yobe, Lagos, and Osun were confirmed as states with the new incidents.

The NCDC also said that there are currently 523 suspected cases in the nation, spread over five states: Kano, Yobe, Katsina, Lagos, and Osun.

Dr. Bola Lawal, the NCDC’s technical working group leader for diphtheria and pertussis, who confirmed the development, said the rapid response team was sent to the two states on December 12, 2022, after the disease was confirmed. The rapid response team he said, was mobilised after being notified of suspected diphtheria outbreaks in Kano and Lagos states.

Lawal broke down the epidemiological status of Diphtheria in Nigeria presently as follows:

396 suspected cases and 211 confirmed cases have been reported in Kano state, 78 suspected cases and two confirmed cases have been reported in Yobe state, and 34 suspected cases have not yet been reported in Katsina state. 14 suspected cases and two confirmed cases have been reported in Lagos state; so yet, Osun state has only seen one confirmed case.

“We also have 40 fatalities with a case fatality rate of 18.5%. 184 (85.2%) of the 216 confirmed cases—representing both sexes—were between the ages of two and 14 years. Kano reported 38 fatalities, while Lagos state reported two. Regarding the level of vaccination, Lawal stated that of of the 216 verified cases, 27 had received partial vaccinations and 84 had not.

He added;

Strong laboratory capabilities, prompt access to diphtheria antitoxin, high levels of suspicion among healthcare professionals, and diphtheria immunization are all necessary for efficient diphtheria management.

Diphtheria is a severe bacterial infection that affects a person’s nose, throat, and occasionally their skin. It is brought on by the bacterium Corynebacterium species. Direct contact with infected person droplets from coughing or sneezing, as well as contact with contaminated objects and clothing, are the main ways that diphtheria spreads between individuals.

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