The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported that the country continues to struggle with a diphtheria outbreak. According to information on its official website, a total of 41,336 suspected cases of diphtheria have been documented across 37 states.
These cases were reported from 350 local government areas between Epidemiological Week 19 of 2022 and Epidemiological Week 4 of 2025. Recent data from the NCDC indicates that 24,846 (60.1%) of these suspected cases were confirmed, while 7,769 (18.8%) were discarded. The classification of 3,546 cases (8.6%) remains pending, and the status of 5,175 cases (12.5%) is unknown.
The agency noted that the outbreak’s burden is concentrated in a few states, with Kano reporting the highest number of suspected cases at 23,784. Other affected states include Yobe (5,302), Katsina (3,708), Bauchi (3,066), Borno (2,902), Kaduna (777), and Jigawa (364).
Together, these seven states account for 96.5% of all suspected cases. Among the confirmed cases, the majority—15,845 (63.9%)—occurred in children aged one to 14 years, highlighting the disease’s severe impact on younger populations. Alarmingly, only 4,963 (20%) of confirmed cases had been fully vaccinated with a diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine, indicating gaps in vaccination coverage.
The NCDC reported that the outbreak has resulted in 1,262 deaths, reflecting a case fatality rate (CFR) of 5.1% among confirmed cases. The highest number of confirmed cases was observed in Kano (17,770), followed by Bauchi (2,334), Yobe (2,380), Katsina (1,088), Borno (1,036), Jigawa (53), Plateau (31), and Kaduna (44). These states account for 99.4% of all confirmed cases. Recently, eight suspected cases were recorded across two states and five local government areas, with six of those cases (75%) confirmed as clinically compatible with diphtheria. Fortunately, no deaths were reported during this period, keeping the CFR at zero percent for the latest cases.
The NCDC emphasizes the importance of vaccination in combating the disease. With the majority of cases occurring in children, it is critical to strengthen immunization efforts. Public health campaigns, improved surveillance, and rapid response initiatives are being implemented, especially in the hardest-hit states. The ongoing diphtheria outbreak highlights the urgent need for intensified vaccination campaigns and public health interventions, particularly in northern Nigeria where most cases are concentrated.
Addressing the vaccination gap is essential to preventing further spread and reducing the high fatality rate associated with the disease. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), diphtheria is a bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It primarily affects the mucous membranes of the throat and nose. The bacteria release a toxin that can result in a thick grey or white coating in the throat, making breathing difficult.
In severe cases, diphtheria may damage the heart, nervous system, and other organs. Immunization through the diphtheria vaccine is a crucial preventive measure, often included as part of routine childhood vaccinations.
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