The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported 798 confirmed cases of diphtheria, resulting in 80 deaths, between December 2022 and June 30th, 2023. These cases were recorded in eight states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Director-general of the centre, Dr Ifedayo Adetifa who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, said most of the cases (782) were recorded in Kano State.
Ifedayo said other states with cases of the disease are Lagos, Yobe, Katsina, Cross River, Kaduna, and Osun, adding that the majority (71.7 percent) of the 798 confirmed cases occurred among children aged two to 14 years.
He explained that diphtheria is caused by a toxin produced by the bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae, adding that it is a vaccine-preventable disease covered by one of the vaccines provided routinely through Nigeria’s childhood immunisation schedule.
The DG regretted that despite the availability of safe and cost-effective vaccine in the country, 654 (82 percent) of 798 confirmed diphtheria cases in the ongoing outbreak were unvaccinated, including this recently announced FCT case.
Historical sub-optimal vaccination coverage is the main driver of the outbreak given the most affected age group (2-14-year-olds) observed, and a national survey of diphtheria immunity that found less than half (41.7 percent) of children under 15 years old are fully protected from diphtheria,” he said.
Ifedayo noted that the centre was working with relevant authorities to avert further spread of the disease while urging the public on early presentation.
“Just like in other states reporting cases, we are working with the FCT Health and Human Services Department to implement control measures and avert the further spread of the disease.
