The surge in deptheria outbreak in Nigeria diphtheria

by

Thomas Samuel

    In recent weeks, Nigeria has witnessed an alarming surge in diphtheria cases, marking a concerning public health challenge that demands immediate attention.

The epidemiological data for week 26 through week 34, ending on 2 July 2023, paints a distressing picture, with a notable increase in suspected cases across multiple states.

Between 30 June and 31 August 2023, a staggering total of 5898 suspected cases were reported from 59 Local Government Areas (LGAs) spanning 11 states. The severity of the situation became more apparent in week 34 (ending 27 August 2023), where 234 suspected cases emerged from 20 LGAs in five states.

Among these cases, one lab-confirmed case was identified from the 22 samples collected. Disturbingly, 18 of these cases were epidemiologically linked, while 141 were classified as clinically compatible.

Diphtheria, a highly contagious and vaccine-preventable disease, is primarily caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae. This infectious ailment carries a significant fatality risk, ranging from 5-10%, with young children being particularly vulnerable to a higher mortality rate.

The World Health Organization's (WHO) most recent risk assessment of the diphtheria outbreak in Nigeria has underscored the severity of the situation, maintaining the risk at a high level nationally while deeming it low at the regional and global levels. In response to this alarming situation, public health measures are being swiftly implemented, spearheaded by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in collaboration with WHO and other crucial partners.

The coordinated efforts include a vaccination response aimed at swiftly reaching susceptible populations, enhanced surveillance for early case detection to curb the spread, meticulous case management to provide prompt medical attention, and strategic risk communication to keep the public informed and engaged.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, along with its partners, is working tirelessly to contain and mitigate the impact of the outbreak.

The public must remain vigilant and actively participate in vaccination programs, as prevention remains the most effective strategy against diphtheria.

Authorities are urging citizens to stay informed through official channels and adhere to recommended public health guidelines.

As the situation evolves, the collaborative efforts of health organizations and the community are paramount in overcoming this public health crisis and preventing further escalation.