Nigeria records 557 Diphtheria cases, 73 deaths – WHO

Latest diphtheria report on Nigeria by the World Health Organisation (WHO) shows that 1,439 suspected cases have been reported, of which 557 (39 per cent) have been confirmed, including 73 deaths among the confirmed cases, from May 14, 2022 to April 9, 2023.

WHO said the majority (83 per cent) of suspected cases reported were from Kano, Yobe, Katsina, Lagos, Sokoto and Zamfara states.

It, therefore, urged Nigeria, alongside other countries experiencing the outbreak, to ramp up epidemiological surveillance which ensures early detection of outbreaks. Also, countries should have access to laboratory facilities that allow for the reliable identification of toxigenic C. diphtheria, it added.

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The report said: “The NCDC was notified of suspected diphtheria outbreaks in Kano and Lagos states on December 2, 2022. In January 2023, the number of confirmed cases increased, peaking at over 150 cases in week 4 of 2023 (ending January 28). Since then, a weekly decreasing trend has been observed.

“Among the 557 confirmed cases, 73 deaths were recorded, for a CFR of 13 per cent. The CFR has dropped significantly since the beginning of the outbreak due to, among other factors, increased access to diphtheria antitoxin (DAT).

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“Nigeria had recorded diphtheria outbreaks in the past. The most significant outbreak reported was between February and November 2011 in the rural areas of Borno State, north-eastern Nigeria, where 98 cases were reported.

“WHO recommends early reporting and management of suspected cases to initiate timely treatment of cases and follow-up of contacts and ensure the supply of diphtheria antitoxin. As vaccination is key to preventing cases and outbreaks, high-risk populations such as children under five years of age, school children, close contact of diphtheria cases, and healthcare workers, should be vaccinated with diphtheria-containing vaccines on a priority basis.”