DIPHTHERIA OUTBREAK CLAIMS 1,767 LIVES AS KANO, KATSINA AND PLATEAU INTENSIFY RESPONSE

Nigeria’s ongoing diphtheria outbreak has continued to raise concern as the reported death toll reached 1,767, with Kano, Katsina and Plateau among the states battling to contain the spread of the highly infectious disease.

The outbreak has also resulted in thousands of suspected cases across the affected states. Reports indicate that 32,797 cases have been recorded across Kano, Plateau and Nasarawa, highlighting the scale of the public health challenge confronting communities and healthcare authorities.

In Katsina State, the disease has spread to about 30 local government areas, with Funtua identified among the areas carrying a particularly heavy burden. In response, the state government has commenced a reactive vaccination campaign targeting 15 high-risk wards across Bakori, Charanchi, Funtua, Mashi and Kankia.

Health authorities reported that 67,670 eligible people received Td vaccines within the first three days of the campaign, while 24,103 children were administered pentavalent vaccines. The state has also established three additional isolation centres to complement the facility supported by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Katsina.

Katsina has further obtained 650,000 additional doses of diphtheria-containing vaccines for communities considered to be at higher risk. However, the state’s response could face additional pressure following a planned seven-day warning strike by several healthcare professional unions beginning from midnight on September 8.

The health workers said the industrial action followed the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum issued to the Katsina State Government over unresolved concerns affecting workers. The planned strike comes as suspected diphtheria infections have reportedly been identified in 29 of the state’s 34 local government areas.

Dr Aminu Lawal, Assistant Director of Epidemiology at the Katsina State Primary Healthcare Agency, identified low vaccine uptake as one of the major obstacles to controlling the outbreak. He urged parents and caregivers to ensure that children receive the recommended doses of diphtheria-containing vaccines through routine immunisation.

Lawal stressed that diphtheria is preventable through vaccination but can become life-threatening when treatment is delayed. The infection can produce toxins capable of damaging vital organs, including the heart, kidneys and lungs, while severe cases may result in paralysis or obstruction of the airway.

He called on residents to take advantage of free vaccination services provided by the government and encouraged traditional, religious and community leaders to support awareness campaigns. According to him, treatment and isolation alone will not end the outbreak if vaccination coverage remains inadequate.

Health authorities also advised residents to reduce the risk of transmission by avoiding unnecessary overcrowding, maintaining good personal and environmental hygiene, using face masks where appropriate and limiting close contact with people suspected of having the infection.

Residents were urged to seek medical attention immediately if they develop symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, difficulty swallowing, changes in voice, swelling around the neck or excessive drooling. A thick greyish-white membrane developing in the throat was also identified as a serious warning sign requiring urgent medical attention.

Plateau State is also confronting a growing outbreak, particularly in Jos North Local Government Area, where officials reported 23 deaths and 143 suspected cases. Nine patients were receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital and Plateau Specialist Hospital at the time of the report.

Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Baamlong, identified shortages of diphtheria antitoxin and delays in patients seeking medical care as major challenges. He also disclosed difficulties in confirming suspected cases because the specialised containers required for collecting and transporting samples were unavailable.

The commissioner said the state had notified the NCDC and was expecting assistance, particularly with antitoxin supplies and the materials needed for laboratory confirmation. Meanwhile, the state government has intensified surveillance and public enlightenment activities through traditional rulers and other community stakeholders.

In Jos North, the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer, Baks Bulus, said 117 suspected cases had been recorded by the local government, with 15 deaths documented in the council’s records. He warned that the infection could spread rapidly through close contact and the sharing of household items with infected persons.

Nasarawa State has also recorded 15 cases, with Keffi Local Government Area accounting for the majority. The development has prompted renewed calls for residents in affected communities to cooperate with health officials and vaccination teams.

Diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable bacterial infection that primarily affects the nose and throat. It can spread through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing as well as close contact with infected individuals. Severe infections can cause serious complications and death, particularly among children who are unvaccinated or have not completed their recommended immunisation schedule.

The situation in the affected states has therefore placed renewed emphasis on vaccination, early diagnosis, prompt treatment and community awareness. Health authorities continue to urge families to avoid self-medication and seek professional medical attention as soon as symptoms appear, while governments and health partners work to strengthen containment measures.