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Nigeria reports 41,000 diphtheria cases

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported that the country is still battling a significant diphtheria outbreak, with 41,336 suspected cases recorded across 37 states. These cases, spanning 350 local government areas, were reported between Epidemiological Week 19 of 2022 and Epidemiological Week 4 of 2025.

According to recent NCDC data, 24,846 cases (60.1%) were confirmed, 7,769 (18.8%) were discarded, 3,546 (8.6%) are still pending classification, and the status of 5,175 cases (12.5%) remains unknown. The outbreak is concentrated in a few states, with Kano leading with 23,784 suspected cases, followed by Yobe (5,302), Katsina (3,708), Bauchi (3,066), Borno (2,902), Kaduna (777), and Jigawa (364). These seven states account for 96.5% of all suspected cases.

Of the confirmed cases, 63.9% (15,845) occurred among children aged one to 14 years, highlighting the severe impact on younger populations. However, only 20% (4,963) of confirmed cases were fully vaccinated with a diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine, exposing significant gaps in vaccination coverage. The outbreak has resulted in 1,262 deaths among confirmed cases, reflecting a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 5.1%.

The highest number of confirmed cases was reported 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). Together, these states account for 99.4% of all confirmed cases. In the most recent reporting period, eight suspected cases were identified in two states across five local government areas. Six of these cases (75%) were confirmed as clinically compatible with diphtheria, with no deaths recorded, maintaining a zero CFR for the latest cases.

The NCDC emphasized the critical role of vaccination in tackling the outbreak, particularly as children account for the majority of cases. The agency has ramped up public health campaigns, improved surveillance, and deployed rapid response initiatives, especially in the hardest-hit states. It stressed that closing the vaccination gap is essential to prevent further spread and reduce the high fatality rate associated with the disease.

Diphtheria, a bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, primarily affects the mucous membranes of the throat and nose.

The bacteria produce a toxin that can create a thick grey or white coating in the throat, making breathing difficult. In severe cases, it can damage the heart, nervous system, and other organs.

Immunisation through the diphtheria vaccine remains the most effective preventive measure and is typically administered as part of routine childhood vaccinations.

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Lassa Fever: Death toll rises to 15 in Edo

The Edo Government has confirmed 15 deaths from Lassa fever since the outbreak of the disease in the state in December 2024.

The Director of Public Health, Edo State Ministry of Health, Dr Stephenson Ojeifo, disclosed this on Tuesday in Benin while responding to concerns on social media regarding the government’s efforts in tackling the outbreak.

“As of today, Edo State has recorded over 1,000 suspected cases of Lassa fever. Out of these, 103 have tested positive

“From the 103 confirmed cases, we have recorded 15 deaths, while others have been treated and discharged,” he said.

Ojeifo asserted that Gov. Monday Okpebholo had strengthened surveillance and contact tracing efforts, ensuring that all necessary resources were available to contain the outbreak.

He, however, attributed the high mortality rate to late referrals, noting that many patients arrive at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) in critical condition.

“The problem is that patients are only referred to ISTH when their condition has deteriorated.

“We have been sensitising residents to seek medical attention if they experience persistent fever that does not resolve, so that samples can be tested and treatment can commence early if needed,” he said.

The director urged healthcare providers to avoid delays in referring suspected cases to designated treatment centres.

He warned that any hospital found treating Lassa fever patients without proper authorisation would face sanctions.

In addition to the Lassa fever outbreak, Ojeifo disclosed that the state had recorded 11 suspected cases of Mpox, with five confirmed positives.

He, however, said that no deaths were recorded, as all affected individuals received timely medical attention.

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Kebbi Govt confirms outbreak of meningitis with 26 deaths

The Kebbi State Government has confirmed an outbreak of meningitis in three Local Government Areas (LGAs), with 26 deaths recorded so far.

The State Commissioner for Health, Yanusa Ismail, disclosed this during a press conference in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital.

He revealed that a total of 248 suspected cases have been recorded, with 11 samples taken for examination, out of which three have been confirmed negative.

According to the commissioner, the affected LGAs are Gwandu, Aleiro, and Jega. He provided a breakdown of the fatalities as follows: 18 in Gwandu, six in Jega, four in Aleiro, and one in Argungu.

In response to the outbreak, the Kebbi State Government has approved ₦30 million for the procurement of drugs to contain the spread of the disease.

The commissioner urged the public to maintain personal hygiene and avoid crowded places to reduce the risk of infection.

He also confirmed that isolation centres have been set up to manage cases.

He added that samples have been sent to Abuja for further testing, and if confirmed, the state government will request vaccines to prevent further spread.

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Diphtheria outbreak hits Kings College Lagos

A 12-year-old student at the King’s College in Victoria Island, has died with fourteen others hospitalisized following the outbreak of diphtheria.

According to the Lagos State government, 34 close contacts of the deceased have been identified and placed under observation.

Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, disclosed that the index case, a 12-year-old boy, developed a sore throat and fever on February 22 and was referred to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), where he received treatment but succumbed to myocarditis, a severe diphtheria complication, on March 6.

He added that 14 other students showed signs of the infection and were transferred to LUTH for screening. Twelve tested positive for early signs of diphtheria and are receiving antibiotics and diphtheria antitoxin serum. All are reported to be recovering.

The state government due to the incident activated an Emergency Response Committee and will begin a mass vaccination campaign targeting schoolchildren and healthcare providers. Nearly 500,000 doses of diphtheria vaccine will be deployed to high-risk areas, and infection prevention measures will be strengthened at King’s College.

Public awareness campaigns are also underway, urging residents to recognize symptoms such as sore throat, fever, difficulty breathing, and swollen neck glands. The Lagos State government is working closely with federal health agencies and the WHO to contain the outbreak.

Prof. Abayomi reassured residents that the situation is under control and emphasized the importance of good hygiene, avoiding crowded places, and seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms appear.

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