- Diphtheria Cases and Deaths: As of recent reports, Nigeria has recorded 24,804 confirmed cases of diphtheria, resulting in 1,269 deaths across 18 states .
- Outbreak Duration: The outbreak started in May 2022, with cases skyrocketing in recent months, particularly among children under 14 years old .
- Transmission: Diphtheria is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets, direct contact with infected individuals, and contaminated surfaces .
- Symptoms: Common symptoms include sore throat, fever, swollen neck glands, and difficulty breathing due to a thick, grayish membrane forming in the throat .
- Vaccination: The best way to prevent diphtheria is through vaccination, with the diphtheria vaccine included in the pentavalent vaccine for infants and the DTP vaccine for children .
- Response Efforts: Health authorities have intensified vaccination campaigns, and organizations like Save the Children are launching health responses to support overstretched clinics and conduct mass vaccination campaigns .
Nigeria is currently grappling with a severe diphtheria outbreak that has spread across 18 states, resulting in 24,804 confirmed cases and 1,269 deaths .The outbreak, which began in May 2022, has seen a significant surge in cases recently, particularly among children under 14 years old .
Diphtheria is a highly contagious disease that spreads through respiratory droplets, direct contact with infected individuals, and contaminated surfaces .Symptoms include sore throat, fever, swollen neck glands, and difficulty breathing due to a thick, grayish membrane forming in the throat .
The best way to prevent diphtheria is through vaccination, with the diphtheria vaccine included in the pentavalent vaccine for infants and the DTP vaccine for children . Health authorities have intensified vaccination campaigns, and organizations like Save the Children are launching health responses to support overstretched clinics and conduct mass vaccination campaigns .
Key Response Efforts:
- Intensified Vaccination Campaigns: Health authorities are working to vaccinate as many people as possible, particularly in affected areas.
- Mass Vaccination Campaigns: Organizations like Save the Children are supporting overstretched clinics and conducting mass vaccination campaigns.
- Support for Overstretched Clinics: Health authorities and organizations are providing support to clinics that are struggling to cope with the surge in cases.
Challenges:
- Low Vaccination Coverage: Nigeria’s vaccination coverage is currently low, making it difficult to control the spread of the disease.
- Insecurity Challenges: Insecurity challenges in some parts of the country are making it difficult to access affected areas and provide vaccination services.
Overall, the situation in Nigeria is critical, and urgent action is needed to control the spread of the disease and prevent further deaths.
