The NCDC reports over 1,300 deaths from a diphtheria outbreak in Nigeria, with significant challenges in vaccination and testing capabilities. Kano State is severely impacted, accounting for 75% of confirmed cases. Public health experts emphasize the need for urgent vaccination campaigns and improved surveillance to address high mortality rates and prevent further spread of the disease.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a total of 1,319 fatalities due to a diphtheria outbreak ongoing in Nigeria. The recent update, disseminated through the National Diphtheria Emergency Operations Centre, indicated the severity of the situation with over 42,000 suspected cases recorded across 37 states since 2022. Diphtheria, a serious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, primarily affects the throat and nose, leading to potential complications such as breathing difficulties and heart failure.
Vaccination is crucial for prevention, complemented by prompt medical treatment with antitoxins and antibiotics. Notably, Kano State has been significantly impacted, accounting for 75% of confirmed cases, which totals 18,108 out of 25,812. Other states with high incidences include Bauchi, Yobe, and Katsina. Alarmingly, the overall case fatality rate stands at 5.1%, but some states have recorded even higher mortality rates, such as Kaduna at an alarming 83%.
The recent week showed 23 new suspected cases reported, predominantly in Lagos and Katsina, yet none have been confirmed, marking an ongoing challenge with over half of the cases remaining unclassified due to laboratory confirmation delays. The Federal Government has initiated reactive vaccination campaigns in high-burden areas while engaging community and religious leaders to aid public health efforts.
Dr. Solomon Chollom emphasized the critical immunization gap, highlighting that only 19.3% of confirmed cases were fully vaccinated. He also noted serious limitations in testing capabilities, with diagnosis primarily based on clinical symptoms, raising concerns about the accuracy in estimating the burden of the disease. The government has promised to enhance laboratory capacities and testing protocols, but action has been slow.
Experts recommend a comprehensive diphtheria vaccination campaign, along with heightened disease monitoring and an uninterrupted supply of diagnostic materials. Current health officials are warning that, without significant improvements in vaccination and surveillance efforts, the outbreak could escalate further. Proposed actions include enhancing case management support, improving laboratory diagnostics through PCR testing, expanding vaccination reach, and increasing public awareness about the necessity of routine immunisations for children.
In summary, Nigeria is grappling with a severe diphtheria outbreak, highlighted by over 1,300 deaths and a significant number of suspected cases. Challenges such as low vaccination rates, inadequate laboratory capacity, and delayed case confirmations contribute to the ongoing crisis. Experts advocate for urgent mass vaccination efforts and improved disease surveillance to mitigate the situation and prevent further fatalities. The government’s pledge for enhanced laboratory testing and vaccination campaigns is critical to addressing the immunization gaps observed, particularly among children.
Original Source: www.pulse.ng
