Lagos Leads as Nigeria Reports 23 New Suspected Diphtheria Cases
Nigeria has reported 23 new suspected diphtheria cases in week 10 of 2025, with Lagos State most affected. The outbreak originates from Kings College, prompting an emergency vaccination campaign. The NCDC reports significant mortality and a high proportion of unvaccinated children among confirmed cases, underscoring the urgency of preventive measures.
In the 10th epidemiological week of 2025, Nigeria has reported 23 new suspected cases of diphtheria, with Lagos State being the most severely impacted, accounting for 20 of these cases. Following a recent outbreak at Kings College, which affected 14 students and resulted in one fatality, proactive measures have been taken to address and control the situation.
An emergency vaccination campaign was initiated by the Lagos State Government aimed at students and staff in response to the outbreak. Currently, most of the students under treatment at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) are exhibiting signs of recovery. School principal Mogaji Zakaria has implemented hygiene protocols and mask mandates to further mitigate the outbreak’s spread.
Despite this, some parents have expressed concerns about the hygienic conditions of the school, urging for improvements in infrastructure. Health Commissioner Akin Abayomi reassured the public that the outbreak is under control, citing that 12 students are responding well to treatment and are expected to be discharged soon.
From May 2022 to March 2025, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported 1,319 diphtheria-related deaths, with a cumulative total of 42,642 suspected cases reported across 37 states and 350 local government areas. The majority of these cases were concentrated in Kano, Yobe, Katsina, and Bauchi, which together accounted for 96.3 percent of all suspected cases.
Out of the suspected cases, 25,812 were confirmed, but only 19.3 percent of the affected children aged one to fourteen were fully vaccinated with the diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine. The case fatality rate among confirmed cases is recorded at 5.1 percent, with significant implications for public health management.
Diphtheria is a severe bacterial infection transmitted through respiratory droplets and direct contact with infected individuals. Symptoms include sore throat, fever, and a characteristic gray membrane that can obstruct breathing. Without appropriate treatment, diphtheria can lead to serious health complications, making awareness and vaccination crucial.
The recent diphtheria outbreak in Lagos highlights the critical need for robust public health measures and vaccination campaigns. With 23 new suspected cases reported, the importance of improving sanitary conditions and ensuring vaccination for children cannot be overstated. The NCDC’s reports reveal the alarming statistics regarding diphtheria’s spread and its fatalities, stressing the need for continued vigilance and preventive strategies.
Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com
