Nigeria Reports 23 New Diphtheria Cases as Lagos Leads in Infections

Nigeria has recorded 23 new suspected diphtheria cases, primarily in Lagos, linked to an outbreak at Kings College. The state’s health officials have initiated vaccination campaigns and reported a concerning number of fatalities and cases across the country. Children’s vaccination rates remain alarmingly low, contributing to the ongoing health crisis.

In recent developments, Nigeria has reported 23 new suspected cases of diphtheria during the 10th epidemiological week of 2025, predominantly in Lagos State, which alone recorded 20 cases. This rise in infections is linked to a recent outbreak at Kings College Lagos, affecting 14 students and resulting in one fatality.

In response to the outbreak, the Lagos State Government has launched an emergency vaccination campaign aimed at students and staff. Most infected students are currently receiving treatment at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and are reportedly showing signs of recovery. Mogaji Zakaria, the school principal, has implemented several measures, including enhanced hygiene protocols and mandating masks.

Despite these interventions, some parents have raised concerns about the school’s sanitary conditions, calling for improvements in infrastructure. Commissioner for Health Akin Abayomi reassured the public that the situation is manageable, noting that 12 students have responded well to treatment and are expected to be discharged soon.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported a concerning number of 1,319 diphtheria deaths from May 2022 to March 2025. From the 19th epidemiological week of 2022 to the current reporting week, a total of 42,642 suspected cases have been documented across 37 states and 350 local government areas. The majority of these cases are concentrated in Kano, Yobe, and Katsina states, which jointly constitute 96.3 percent of total reported cases.

Of the total suspected cases, 25,812 or 60.5 percent have been confirmed. The most affected regions include Kano with the highest number of confirmed cases, followed by Bauchi and Yobe. Notably, children aged one to fourteen years represent 62.9 percent of confirmed cases; however, only 19.3 percent of these children have received the necessary vaccination against diphtheria.

Diphtheria, caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae, can severely affect mucous membranes and spreads through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces. Symptoms may include a sore throat, fever, and the formation of a thick gray membrane in the throat, which can obstruct breathing. If left untreated, complications such as myocarditis and nerve damage may arise.

In summary, Nigeria is facing a resurgence of diphtheria, particularly in Lagos State, where an outbreak linked to Kings College has prompted emergency measures. The national health response has included vaccination campaigns and treatment for affected students. Given the high case fatality rate and significant number of unvaccinated children, public health initiatives must focus on increasing vaccination and improving sanitary conditions to mitigate further outbreaks.

Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com