The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has reported a significant number of diphtheria cases in the country, with 7,784 confirmed cases out of 12,085 suspected cases as of September 11, 2024.
These cases have been identified in 170 local government areas spanning 21 states.
The NCDC disclosed this information during a press briefing held in Abuja, where they revealed a total death toll of 309, resulting in a case fatality rate of 3.9%. The affected areas with reported deaths include Kano (169), Bauchi (59), Katsina (52), Borno (19), Yobe (4), Edo (2), Jigawa (2), FCT (1), and Nasarawa (1).
Diphtheria is a severe bacterial infection caused by the corynebacterium species, impacting the nose, throat, and occasionally the skin.
Common symptoms of diphtheria encompass fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, red eyes (conjunctivitis), and neck swelling. In more severe instances, a distinct grey or white patch may manifest on the tonsils or at the back of the throat, leading to breathing difficulties.
The epidemiological report spanning from week 22 of 2022 to week 35 of 2024 documented a total of 36,151 suspected cases across 37 states and the FCT, encompassing 332 local government areas.
Among these, 21,938 cases were confirmed in 26 states across 173 local government areas. The cumulative confirmed death toll amounted to 1,103 individuals, resulting in a case fatality rate of 5.0%.
The Director-General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris said, “As a reminder, diphtheria spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes; through close contacts with, or by touching contaminated objects.
“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.
“Early recognition and prompt treatment are critical to managing this disease and preventing severe complications.”
He emphasized that it conducts regular National Emergency Operation Centre meetings and provides operational support to the EOC and the pillars at the sub-national level.
“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.
“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 summarized.
