Diphtheria Outbreak in Nigeria: Lagos State Reports 23 New Suspected Cases
Nigeria has reported 23 new suspected diphtheria cases in 2025, with Lagos State leading. An outbreak at Kings College saw 14 infections and one death, prompting an emergency vaccination campaign. The national totals indicate significant historical mortality rates and highlight the importance of vaccination among children.
In Nigeria, 23 new suspected cases of diphtheria have been reported during the 10th epidemiological week of 2025, with Lagos State being the most affected. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) indicated that Lagos accounted for 20 of these cases, while Katsina State reported three cases. This surge in Lagos cases follows an outbreak at Kings College, where 14 students were affected and one student tragically passed away.
In response to the outbreak at Kings College, the Lagos State Government has launched an emergency vaccination campaign targeting both students and staff. The infected students are currently receiving treatment at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and are reportedly showing signs of recovery. Principal Mogaji Zakaria has implemented enhanced hygiene protocols and enforced mask-wearing to curb the spread. However, some parents have raised concerns regarding the sanitary conditions of the school, advocating for improved infrastructure.
Lagos State’s Health Commissioner, Akin Abayomi, reassured the public that the situation is well-managed, stating that 12 students are performing positively under care and are expected to be discharged shortly. Nationally, from May 2022 to March 2025, Nigeria experienced 1,319 diphtheria-related fatalities. From Epi-Week 19, 2022, to Epi-Week 10, 2025, there were 42,642 suspected cases reported across 37 states and numerous local government areas.
The majority of suspected cases were concentrated in Kano (24,239), Yobe (5,330), and Katsina (4,237). Of these, 25,812 cases were confirmed, encompassing various classifications of diphtheria cases. Notably, 62.9% of the confirmed cases were among children aged one to 14 years, with only 19.3% being fully vaccinated against diphtheria. The current case fatality rate stands at 5.1%, with deaths still being recorded.
Diphtheria, caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, severely impacts the mucous membranes of the throat and nose, and can also affect the skin. The disease is transmitted through respiratory droplets or contact with infected individuals. Symptoms include a sore throat, fever, and a potential airway obstruction due to a thick membrane in the throat. Without intervention, the disease can result in serious complications such as myocarditis and kidney failure, emphasizing the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment.
In summary, Nigeria is currently facing a concerning rise in diphtheria cases, particularly in Lagos State, following a significant outbreak at Kings College. The government’s prompt vaccination initiatives and treatment efforts are underway to manage the situation. With a substantial percentage of cases occurring among unvaccinated children and alarming fatality rates, maintaining public health and immunization remains critical in combating this infectious disease.
Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com
