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Tag: Diphtheria

  • Suspected diphtheria outbreak kills 3 children in Zaria

    Suspected diphtheria outbreak kills 3 children in Zaria

    No fewer than three children have died, and six others have been infected, following a suspected diphtheria outbreak in Zaria, Kaduna State.

    Dr Bello Jamoh, Executive Secretary of Kaduna State Primary Healthcare Board, said the outbreak had persisted in the state for the past 10 months, since October 2024.

    He said the Kaduna State Ministry of Health was leading the response to the disease outbreak, with support from relevant partners and stakeholders.

    Jamoh added that a team of experts would be deployed to strengthen efforts in tackling the spread and providing medical support.

    Meanwhile, Malam Bashir-Magaji Basharata, a resident of Kwarbai, Zaria, who lost his daughter, said the disease was spreading fast across the city.

    He said his daughter developed a swollen neck and difficulty breathing and speaking, and was rushed to Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika.

    In spite of urgent care at the hospital, Basharata said his daughter passed away. Soon after, three other children developed similar symptoms.

    “I immediately informed the local council health department, which responded by sending a team of vaccinators to the area,” he said.

    He added that two children from a neighbour’s household were affected, along with another girl from a nearby street.

    Basharata also reported that four children showing diphtheria symptoms were admitted at Kakaki Primary Health Care Clinic near Kwarbai.

    He said only one of the children admitted at the Kakaki clinic had been discharged as of his last visit.

    He expressed concern over reports that no diphtheria vaccines were available across the entire Kaduna State.

    Basharata said the visiting medical team claimed they sourced the vaccines from neighbouring Niger.

  • Diphtheria spread: Airport told to tighten health checks

    Diphtheria spread: Airport told to tighten health checks

    UNICEF has recommended regular health checks on incoming passengers at the Sam Mbakwe Airport, Owerri, as part of measures to check the spread of diphtheria in Imo.

    UNICEF’s Health Specialist, Dr Olusoji Akinleye, made the recommendation during a virtual media parley organised by the agency in Owerri, on Friday.

    Diphtheria, a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, recently broke out in Imo, with an index case reported in Mbutu, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of the state.

    Diphtheria primarily affects the nose, throat, and, in some cases, the skin, spreading through respiratory droplets or direct contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces.

    Medical professionals say the incubation period ranges from two to five days but may extend up to 10 days, and without prompt treatment, can lead to severe complications and death in approximately one in 10 cases.

    UNICEF is supporting the Government of Nigeria’s response efforts in case management, infection prevention and control, reactive vaccination, risk communication and community engagement to contain the outbreak.

    Akinleye spoke on the theme: “Diphtheria Outbreak Response in Imo”.

    He said that with 10 fatalities already recorded, according to available statistics, it was imperative to restrict and contain the spread of the scourge to prevent a possible “national disaster”, as the airport “sits very close to Aboh Mbaise”.

    He commended the Imo Immunisation Officer, Dr Chibuzo Anyaehie, for ensuring prompt vaccination of persons across the four affected council areas of Aboh Mbaise, Ahiazu Mbaise, Owerri North and Owerri Municipal.

    In a remark, Anyaehie said that 4,017 persons had already received the diphtheria vaccine. According to her, the state has so far recorded 79 suspected cases and seven confirmed cases.

    “We have established treatment centres across all Primary Health Centres in Mbutu and the Aboh General Hospital, with an additional 70 doses of vaccines just supplied,” she said.

    Also, UNICEF’s Communications Officer, Dr Ijeoma Onuoha-Ogwe, thanked health intervention officers from the Imo Ministry of Health for their efforts in containing the outbreak.

    Onuoha-Ogwe charged the media to adequately sensitise the general public on preventive management of the disease to curb its spread.

    UNICEF’s Water Sanitation and Hygiene Specialist, Mrs Rebekah Gabriel, harped on the need for regular handwashing with soap and water and greater collaboration with traditional rulers and other critical stakeholders for effective grassroots sensitisation.

    Earlier in an opening remark, UNICEF’s Chief of Enugu Field Office, Mrs Juliet Chiluwe, thanked the media for effective partnerships and urged the media “to amplify awareness about the outbreak”.

  • Diphtheria outbreak in Edo claims 2 lives

    Diphtheria outbreak in Edo claims 2 lives

    An outbreak of diphtheria has been confirmed in Edo State, resulting in two fatalities.

    Dr Cyril Oshiomhole, Edo’s Commissioner for Health, revealed this on Tuesday in Benin during an emergency response meeting.

    The action follows confirmation from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital of five diphtheria cases, including the two deaths.

    The emergency meeting included representatives from WHO, UNICEF, local health bodies, and key partners tackling the unfolding public health threat.

    Oshiomhole described the outbreak as “a serious cause for concern,” warning of the infection’s potential severity if not treated quickly.

    He noted that diphtheria, a contagious bacterial infection affecting the nose and throat, could cause severe complications or death.

    “The increase in cases, combined with rising threats like drug resistance and viral infections, demands urgent, coordinated efforts,” he said.

    He outlined key strategies, including deploying a rapid response team, improving coordination, and boosting surveillance and contact tracing.

    Other priorities include raising public awareness, engaging communities, and ensuring vaccine availability and access.

    The commissioner praised UBTH for their swift response and acknowledged ongoing support from health partners.

    He assured the public of the state government’s commitment to containing the outbreak.

    Citizens were advised to report symptoms early — such as sore throat, fever, or breathing difficulty — and to avoid close contact with sick individuals.

    He also urged people to stay calm but alert. “This is not a time to panic, but to prepare, inform, and act responsibly,” he added.

  • Diphtheria deaths skyrocket amidst vaccination crisis, NCDC warns

    Diphtheria deaths skyrocket amidst vaccination crisis, NCDC warns

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says 1,319 deaths have been recorded in the country’s ongoing diphtheria outbreak.

    The NCDC said this in its latest situation report from the National Diphtheria Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) published on Sunday via its official website.

    Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

    It typically affects the mucous membranes of the throat and nose, where the bacterium produce a toxin that can lead to complications such as breathing difficulties, heart failure or nerve damage.

    Vaccination is the primary means of prevention, and early treatment with antitoxins and antibiotics is crucial for managing the disease.

    The NCDC said that over 42,000 suspected cases had been reported across 37 states since 2022.

    “The report covered Epidemiological Week 10 of 2025.

    “It highlighted persistent challenges in tackling the disease, including low vaccination coverage, inadequate laboratory capacity and delayed case confirmation,” it said.

    According to the NCDC, Kano State accounts for 75 per cent of confirmed cases, with 18,108 out of 25,812.

    Other high-burden states include Bauchi (2,334), Yobe (2,408) and Katsina (1,501).

    The public health agency said that the case fatality rate (CFR) stands at 5.1 per cent, meaning one in every 20 confirmed cases results in death.

    “In some states, the mortality rate is even higher.

    “Kaduna recorded the per cent, Plateau has 48 per cent, Lagos has 83 per cent and Adamawa has 80 per cent,” it said.

    In the latest reporting week, the agency said that 23 new suspected cases were reported – 20 in Lagos and three in Katsina.

    It, however, said that none has been confirmed yet, with 56.5 per cent of cases still unclassified due to delays in laboratory confirmation.

    The NCDC said the Federal Government had launched reactive vaccination campaigns in high-burden states and intensified community engagement with traditional and religious leaders.

    Public health experts have warned that late diagnosis and poor access to treatment may be contributing to these high fatality rates.

    Despite Nigeria’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), the report revealed that only 4,981 (19.3 per cent) of confirmed cases were fully vaccinated with a diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine.

    According to Dr Solomon Chollom, a medical virologist, the numbers indicate a critical gap in routine immunisation coverage, particularly in northern Nigeria.

    Chollom emphasised the need for urgent mass vaccination campaigns, particularly targeting children aged one year to 14 years, who make up 62.9 per cent of confirmed cases.

    He said that another alarming finding was Nigeria’s limited testing capacity.

    “In 2024, all cases were confirmed based on clinical symptoms rather than laboratory testing, indicating shortages of reagents and PCR capacity for diphtheria diagnosis.

    “This raises concerns about the actual burden of the disease.

    Without widespread testing, we could be underreporting or misdiagnosing cases,” he said.

    The government has promised to improve laboratory capacity and optimise protocols for PCR testing, but implementation has been slow.

    Experts advised that there is the need for a nationwide diphtheria vaccination drive, improved disease surveillance and a steady supply of diagnostic materials.

    With Nigeria facing one of its worst diphtheria outbreaks in decades, health officials warn that without improved vaccination and surveillance efforts the situation could worsen.

    The government has outlined certain steps to be taken.

    They include increasing case management support and data harmonisation across affected states and improving laboratory diagnosis through PCR testing on clinical samples.

    Others are and expanding vaccination coverage to close immunity gaps, particularly among children and strengthening public awareness campaigns through social media and community engagement.

    Public health experts say preventive vaccination remains the best defence for now, urging parents to ensure that their children receive routine immunisations.

  • Diphtheria: Death toll rises to 13 in Kaduna state

    Diphtheria: Death toll rises to 13 in Kaduna state

    As suspected outbreak of diphtheria in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State claimed about 10 lives, the disease in Makarfi Local Government Area of the State killed three children, seven others were hospitalised.

    The development has prompted the state government to send emergency teams to investigate cases and take immediate action in the affected areas.

    While confirming the effect of the disease in Makarfi Local Government Area, the Local Council’s Health Secretary, Malam Aliyu Alhassan, said the suspected cases occurred at Tashar Na Kawu community in Gubuchi Ward in the area.

    He said: “Affected victims were children and the specimen of the victims was forwarded to Abuja for analysis. Those suspected with the disease have been taken to hospital and isolated for medical observation and contact tracing is going on to prevent further spread of the disease.”

    Kaduna State government has already alerted citizens on the outbreak and directed the Ministry of Health to send an emergency team to investigate cases and take immediate action.

    Muhammad Lawal Shehu, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Uba Sani, in a statement, stated that the state Ministry of Health had confirmed cases of the diphtheria disease in some communities in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area.

    Meanwhile, the Chief Epidemiologist, of Kaduna State Ministry of Health, Dr Jeremiah Daikwo, has lamented that some communities in the state were rejecting vaccine against anthrax that broke out in some states, a bacterial disease that affects domestic and wild animals and can infect human beings especially children who may have had contact with infected animals.

    He said in an interview that their findings revealed that 17 people were infected and “we are still doing contact search to identify more people who may have been infected.”

     

  • Diphtheria: 3 dead, 7 hospitalised in Kaduna

    Diphtheria: 3 dead, 7 hospitalised in Kaduna

    A suspected outbreak of Diphtheria in Makarfi Local Government Area of Kaduna State has killed three children leaving seven others hospitalised.

    Malam Aliyu Alassan, the Health Secretary of the Makarfi Local Government Council, confirmed the development in an interview with NAN on Saturday.

    He said the suspected cases occurred at Tashar Na Kawu, Gubuchi Ward of the local government.

    Alassan said most of the affected victims were children, adding that the specimen of the victims had been forwarded to Abuja for analysis.

    “Those suspected with the disease have been taken to the hospital and isolated for medical observation.

    “While contact tracing is going on to prevent further spread of the disease,” he said.

    The state Ministry for Health had earlier confirmed cases of Diphtheria in Kafanchan, headquarters of Jema’a Local Government Area of the state.

  • FG raises alarm over diphtheria, issues health advisory

    FG raises alarm over diphtheria, issues health advisory

    The Ministry of Health has urged Nigerians to make conscious efforts to avoid contracting diphtheria, adding that everyone is at risk of being infected with the disease.

    The Ministry’s Health Promotion Department on Monday issued a health advisory, asking Nigerians to be cautious and protect themselves.

    The department stated that the disease, a life-threatening infection caused by bacteria, is easily transmitted from person to person through coughing, sneezing and contact with open sore/blister/wound on the skin.

    Diphtheria is caused by bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The bacteria produce a toxin that causes severe damage to the respiratory system, heart, skin and other organs.

    The disease, which has an incubation period of usually two to five days after exposure, can extend to 10 days in some cases.

    The Ministry advisory, therefore, cautioned that “everyone is at risk of getting infected with diphtheria, especially children under five years and adults above 60 years.

    “Also, children who have not completed three doses of the Pentavalent vaccination, people living in crowded areas, people that practice poor personal hygiene and people living in areas with poor environmental hygiene and sanitary condition are also vulnerable.

    “Additionally, people with weak immune system, people that travel to infected areas, people living in areas with poor access to health facility, people caring or having close contact with infected persons with diphtheria and healthcare workers in endemic areas are also at risk.”

    Meanwhile, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) had since December 2022, reported multiple diphtheria outbreaks in different states across the country.

    However, as of June 30, NCDC said it confirmed 798 diphtheria cases from 33 local government areas in eight states of the federation, including the FCT.

    The centre added that so far, a total of 80 deaths were recorded from the confirmed cases.

    The signs and symptoms commonly associated with diphtheria are sore throat, which can be mild or severe, scratchy and painful, with thick gray or white membrane that covers the back of the throat and tonsils.

    Others are swollen and tender lymph nodes in the neck, fever, which can be moderate to high fever, usually above 38°C (100.4°F), cough, difficulty swallowing, rapid breathing and difficulty in breathing, leading to blockage of the airway.

    Some other symptoms are general weakness and fatigue and hoarseness or changes in voice when it affects the vocal cords.

    However, there is treatment for diphtheria but early diagnosis is key.

    The ministry’s directory advises anyone who experiences any of the signs and symptoms to promptly go to the nearest health facility for proper diagnosis and treatment.

    On prevention of the disease, the ministry said vaccination, promotion of herd immunity and practice of good hygiene would help.

    “Get vaccinated, diphtheria can be primarily prevented through vaccination. In Nigeria, three doses of the Pentavalent vaccine is administered to children to prevent the five diseases namely Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (whooping cough), Hepatitis B and Hemophilus influenzae type B.

    “The three doses are given as follows: first dose at six weeks of age, second dose at 10 weeks of age and third dose at 14 weeks of age.

    “However, Tetanus Diphtheria (Td) vaccine is also given to children two to five years old during immuinisation campaigns, pregnant women during Ante Natal Care and health workers that are involved in handling diphtheria outbreak vaccination response.”

    The Federal Government also advised the practice of good personal hygiene by always washing hands with soap under clean running water, clean hands with alcohol-based hand sanitiser if there is no water.

    “Cover your mouth and nose with tissue or bent elbow when coughing or sneezing. Throw used tissue into covered dustbin immediately, avoid close contact with sick persons and do not share personal items (clothes, cup, tooth brush) with another person,” the government cautioned.

    It also advised that surroundings should be kept clean, while people should avoid crowded places.

  • Diphtheria claims one as FCTA confirms outbreak of disease

    Diphtheria claims one as FCTA confirms outbreak of disease

    The FCT Administration has confirmed the outbreak of the deadly diphtheria disease in the territory after it claimed the life of a four year old boy out of eight reported cases.

    The Director, FCT Public Health department, Sadiq Abdulrahman, who announced this on Monday at a press briefing, said information available to it confirmed that the disease was imported from neighbouring Niger state.

    He disclosed that two weeks ago, the department was alerted of a possible outbreak of the disease in Dei-Dei,with eight suspected cases reported.

    Abdulrahman added that the department immediately swung into action by activating its emergency response through which it collected samples for test at the National Reference Laboratory in Gaduwa as well as the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, noting that the outcome of the result which came last Friday, indicated that one came out positive out of the eight.

    The Direcror explained that the Department is collaborating with neighbouring states to checkmate further spread of the disease from contagious states through border surveillance as he advised residents to take their personal hygiene seriously.

    For his part, the Executive Secretary, Primary Health Care Board, Isa Vatsa said diphtheria is caused by bacteria which signs includes fever, running nose, difficulty in breathing and can be transmitted through sneezing, droplets, coughing and contact with contaminated.

    Vatsa advised residents to visits the over 400 vaccines outlets across the territory to get vaccinated against the disease.

     

    According to him:” The symptoms of the disease include fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, red eyes, neck swelling, and difficulty breathing. Diphtheria spreads easily between people through direct contact with infected people, droplets from coughing or sneezing and contact with contaminated clothing and objects, thereby underscoring the importance of hygiene and environmental sanitation in the prevention.

    “To reduce the risk of contracting the disease, FCT residents are hereby advised to ensure that their children are fully vaccinated with three (3) doses of the pentavalent vaccine as recommended in the National childhood immunisation schedule.

    “The FCTA through the Primary Health Care Board has concluded plans to revaccinate all children 14yrs and below in the affected community with the appropriate vaccines, irrespective of their previous vaccination status. (6wks – <4yrs will receive Penta Vaccine, while 4yrs – 14yrs will receive Td vaccine) There will be RI intensification exercise across the 6 Area Councils with increased access to the Routine Immunization services beyond the over 400 Health Care Facilities offering immunization in the FCT with the regular conduct of outreach services, taking the vaccines to where people live and work

  • Nigeria records 216 confirmed diphtheria cases – NCDC

    Nigeria records 216 confirmed diphtheria cases – NCDC

    Nigeria has recorded 216 diphtheria cases and 40 deaths, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC.

    Dr Bola Lawal, Lead of the Diphtheria/Pertussis Technical Working Group, NCDC, confirmed that the confirmed cases were reported in four states: Kano (211), Yobe (two), Lagos (two), and Osun (two).

    NAN reports that according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), diphtheria is an infection caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

    Signs and symptoms usually start two to five days after exposure and range from mild to severe. Symptoms often come on gradually, beginning with a sore throat and fever.

    Lawal said that the majority of the deaths were recorded in Kano State (38), while Lagos State recorded two deaths.

    He said the agency was supporting the response activities in Kano, Lagos, Yobe, Osun, Yobe, and Katsina states.

    He also said out of the 216 confirmed cases, 27 were fully vaccinated, 84 were unvaccinated, and 20 were partly vaccinated.

    Lawal said: “Kano state recorded 396 suspected cases with 211 confirmed cases; Yobe State has recorded 78 suspected cases with two confirmed cases; Katsina has 34 suspected cases but no confirmed case yet; Lagos has recorded 14 suspected cases and two confirmed cases; Osun has one confirmed case so far.

    “We have also recorded 40 deaths with a case fatality rate of 18.5 per cent. Of the 216 confirmed cases, 184 (85.2 per cent) were aged two to 14 years from both sexes.”

    He said that there was low immunisation for the pentavalent vaccine, poor surveillance and limited laboratory capacity to properly diagnose the disease, noting that the agency was supporting intensified activities to conduct routine immunisation among children under two years, particularly in Kano State.

    Also, he said, there has been harmonisation of surveillance and laboratory data from across states and laboratories with the sensitisation/training of clinical and surveillance officers on the presentation, prevention, and surveillance for diphtheria in states where rapid response teams were deployed.

    Meanwhile, the Director-General, NCDC, Dr Ifedayo Adetifa, stressed: “surveillance is everybody’s responsibility; it is not just enough to see. If you see something suspicious, report it to your local government, report to NCDC, and then they can investigate.”

    Newsmen reports that children under five and adults over 60 years old are particularly at risk for getting it.

  • WHO has not informed us of any deadly Chinese flu – Minister

    WHO has not informed us of any deadly Chinese flu – Minister

    The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, says though the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other world health bodies had not informed Nigeria of any deadly flu from China, the Federal Government is on the lookout for any occurrence.

    He said this on Monday in Abuja, during a ministerial bi-weekly meeting on the update of COVID-19 response and development in the country’s health sector.

    According to him, when there is an outbreak of any flu or disease anywhere in the world, WHO will announce it to the world and send advisory on how it can be handled, but there is no such alert with the case of the strange flu.

    “So the Ministry of Health finds the message going round in the social media, odd and strange.

    “By default, when there is an outbreak of any flu or disease anywhere we will hear it first from WHO and WHO has not said anything about it, we will also hear from the US Centre for Disease Control (US CDC), but there’s nothing like that also from there and we have not even read anything from the Chinese people.

    “Usually, their embassy will send somebody to come and inform us if there is anything. So I begin to wonder about the authenticity of that paper going around the place because up till today no confirmation of anything like that,” he said.

    The minister also said that foreign media outlets were also silent about a flu from China, an indication that the news making the rounds is a fabrication.

    He, however, said that the Federal Government is on the lookout for anything suspicious.

    “This is a season where people generate stories, throw them into the media and everybody starts panicking, whilst those who generated such stories are laughing at the chaos that they have created.

    “So we are watching the situation, everything we hear we take seriously, but I want to assure you again that any outbreak of such a character, first of all, is announced by WHO, they will then send us advisory and information about it.

    “The US CDC, the equivalent of CDC in the UK, in Europe, they have not said anything. So reports of that nature I also want you to take with a big pinch of salt,” he added.

    There had been trending reports that amid the resurgence of COVID-19 in China, there had been an outbreak of an unknown deadly flu in China, which has led to the death of residents, including three Nigerians.

    According to the reports, though the initial clinical analysis ruled out COVID-19, the symptoms of the fatal flu include dry throat, fever and difficulty in breathing.

    Speaking about Diphtheria, a disease which broke out recently and has spread to four states with 123 confirmed cases and 38 deaths, Ehanire said everyone had a joint responsibility to address diseases.

    He, however, said it was the responsibility of the Federal and State Governments to address particular diseases as they break out and that the Federal Government through the Ministry of Health was doing its part.

    “I want to assure you that every disease outbreak everywhere is given full attention by this ministry and nothing is left that is our duty to do that we do not do, but I will also expect all states to carry out their own responsibility.

    “They need to play their role in managing some of the social fallout.

    “Also, every single person who has appeared in our hospitals has received treatment and no one has been turned back because they didn’t have money,” he added.