Diphtheria

Nigeria is facing a renewed public health emergency as diphtheria continues to spread across several states, claiming hundreds of lives and leaving thousands infected, with children among the most affected.

According to figures from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), reported by The Guardian on September 17, 2026, the country recorded 12,977 suspected cases, 10,476 confirmed infections and 406 deaths since the beginning of the year.

The outbreak has raised concerns about childhood vaccination coverage, access to medical treatment and the continued spread of preventable infectious diseases in communities with limited healthcare services.

Health authorities identified Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Borno, Bauchi, Plateau, Sokoto and Zamfara as states accounting for approximately 98% of confirmed diphtheria cases nationwide.

The NCDC also reported that about 68% of confirmed cases involved people who had not been vaccinated, raising concerns about gaps in routine immunisation programmes. NCDC • Channels Television

In Zamfara State, health officials confirmed 367 diphtheria infections and 44 deaths as of September 15, 2026. More than 320 patients had received treatment and were discharged from healthcare facilities.

The state government activated emergency response teams and established isolation centres in general hospitals to contain the outbreak. Channels Television

The Federal Capital Territory has also recorded infections. Health authorities confirmed five cases and two deaths following investigations into 15 suspected infections. Surveillance and vaccination teams were subsequently deployed to Karshi and surrounding communities. The Guardian Nigeria

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It primarily affects the nose and throat and can spread through respiratory droplets and close contact with infected individuals.

Common symptoms include fever, sore throat, swollen neck glands and difficulty swallowing. Severe infections can produce a thick membrane in the throat that obstructs breathing. The bacterial toxin can also damage the heart and nervous system, sometimes resulting in death.

Children who have not received their recommended vaccinations face a greater risk of infection and severe illness.

Medical professionals have called for increased vaccination, early diagnosis and prompt treatment to prevent further deaths.

The outbreak has also drawn attention to the difficulties faced by families in rural communities, where distance, poverty and limited healthcare services can delay treatment.

Health authorities are encouraging parents and caregivers to verify their children's immunisation status and seek immediate medical attention when symptoms of diphtheria appear.

As Nigeria continues its response, public health experts warn that improving vaccination coverage and access to treatment remains necessary to protect children and prevent further loss of life.