Latest diphtheria report on Nigeria by the World Health Organisation (WHO) shows that 1,439 suspected cases have been reported, of which 557 (39 per cent) have been confirmed, including 73 deaths among the confirmed cases, from May 14, 2022 to April 9, 2023.
WHO said majority (83 per cent) of suspected cases reported were from Kano, Yobe, Katsina, Lagos, Sokoto and Zamfara states.
It, therefore, urged Nigeria, alongside other countries experiencing the outbreak, to ramp-up epidemiological surveillance which ensures early detection of outbreaks. Also, countries should have access to laboratory facilities that allow for the reliable identification of toxigenic C. diphtheria, it added.
“WHO recommends early reporting and management of suspected cases to initiate timely treatment of cases and follow-up of contacts and ensure the supply of diphtheria antitoxin. As vaccination is key to preventing cases and outbreaks, high-risk populations such as children under five years of age, school children, close contact of diphtheria cases, and healthcare workers, should be vaccinated with diphtheria-containing vaccines on a priority basis.”
