By Taibat Ummi Yakubu
Nigeria’s battle against diphtheria has intensified, with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) revealing that eight states now account for nearly all confirmed infections nationwide, while Plateau State has taken the drastic step of closing schools to curb the disease’s spread.
Health authorities identified Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Borno, Bauchi, Plateau, Sokoto and Zamfara as the epicentres of the outbreak, collectively contributing about 98 per cent of confirmed cases recorded across the country.
The disclosure was made by the NCDC’s Principal Health Communication Officer, Michael Okali, who said the agency was working closely with the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to strengthen response efforts in affected communities.
According to Okali, data from August 24 to August 30, 2026, showed that Nigeria recorded 69 suspected cases of diphtheria, out of which 48 were confirmed, while four deaths were reported during the period.
He expressed concern that a significant number of infections were linked to poor immunisation coverage, noting that roughly 68 per cent of confirmed cases involved individuals who had not received the diphtheria vaccine.
The NCDC official said emergency response teams had been deployed to support affected states through surveillance, contact tracing, treatment of patients and laboratory testing.
He added that vaccine distribution was being intensified, particularly in northern states experiencing high transmission rates.
“Support teams are already working in affected areas to help contain the outbreak. We have strengthened surveillance and response activities, while additional vaccine supplies are being sent to communities at risk,” he said.
Plateau Orders School Closure After Rising Death Toll
In Plateau State, authorities have moved swiftly after a surge in infections left at least 23 people dead within two weeks.
The state government disclosed that 143 suspected cases had been recorded, prompting Governor Caleb Mutfwang to order the temporary closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state.
The directive, which takes effect from Monday, September 7, applies to schools that had already resumed academic activities.
State authorities said suspected cases had been reported mainly in Jos North, Jos South, Bassa and Wase local government areas, raising fears of wider community transmission among school-age children.
Officials described the school shutdown as a precautionary measure aimed at limiting person-to-person spread while health teams intensify containment efforts.
Katsina Raises Alarm as Outbreak Reaches 30 LGAs
Meanwhile, the Katsina State Government has expressed fresh concern over the worsening situation, revealing that the disease has now spread to 30 of the state’s 34 local government areas.
The Acting Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Primary Health Care Agency, Dr. Shaima’u Abba, said the outbreak’s case fatality rate had climbed to approximately 5.6 per cent.
She attributed the rising death rate largely to the late arrival of patients at treatment centres, explaining that many victims seek medical attention only after developing severe complications.
Abba disclosed that 32 patients were currently receiving treatment in the state’s four isolation centres.
She urged parents and caregivers to take advantage of available immunisation services, stressing that vaccination remains the most effective and affordable defence against diphtheria and other preventable diseases.
Kano Records Over 30,000 Cases
Kano, one of the states hardest hit by the outbreak, has recorded more than 30,000 cases across its 44 local government areas.
Director-General of the Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC), Muhammad Abbas, said the disease had spread across the entire state, resulting in 1,744 deaths.
He added that about 14.5 per cent of confirmed cases required hospital admission due to the severity of their condition.
The figures underline the scale of the public health challenge facing Kano, which has remained at the centre of Nigeria’s diphtheria outbreak in recent years.
Understanding Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The disease primarily attacks the throat, nose, tonsils and airways, producing toxins that can damage vital organs including the heart, kidneys and nervous system.
One of its most recognisable symptoms is the formation of a thick greyish membrane in the throat, which can obstruct breathing if left untreated.
The infection spreads mainly through respiratory droplets released when infected persons cough or sneeze. It can also be transmitted through contact with infected wounds, contaminated clothing or objects.
Health experts continue to emphasise routine vaccination as the most effective tool for preventing severe illness and deaths, especially among children.
With infections rising across northern Nigeria, public health authorities are urging residents to seek immediate medical attention when symptoms appear and ensure eligible children receive all recommended vaccines.
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!