Diphtheria on prowl!

•10 cases recorded in three monthsBy Doris ObinnaAs of March 30, 2025, Nigeria is experiencing a diphtheria outbreak that began in December 2022, with confirmed cases and deaths reported across multiple states, including Lagos.The outbreak started in Kano State in December 2022 and has spread to more states, including Lagos and Osun. googletag.

cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1718806029429-0'); }); The Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) declared the outbreak to be the worst in a decade, with the previous outbreak occurring in 2011 in Nigeria.



Diphtheria is a serious, contagious bacterial infection, primarily affecting the nose and throat, caused by corynebacterium diphtheriae and characterised by a thick, gray membrane (pseudomembrane) in the throat, potentially leading to breathing difficulties.On March 11, 2025, the Lagos State Government confirmed the death of a 12-year-old student at King’s College, Victoria Island Annexe, following a diphtheria outbreak in the school’s boarding house earlier on in the week. $(document).

ready(function(){(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})}); Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, disclosed that the deceased student first exhibited symptoms of sore throat and fever on February 22 and was immediately referred to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) for treatment.

According to him, despite receiving antibiotics and diphtheria antitoxin serum, the boy succumbed to severe complications, including myocarditis (inflammation of the heart), on March 6.“Following his death, health authorities identified 34 close contacts of the student and placed them under observation. Of these, 14 developed symptoms consistent with diphtheria.

After screening at LUTH, 12 were confirmed to have early signs of the disease and were admitted for treatment.”Also, on March 31, the state government disclosed that it has recorded 10 confirmed cases of diphtheria between January 1 and March 27, 2025. It further reiterated that health authorities are intensifying efforts to curb the outbreak.

According to the commissioner, suspected cases have fluctuated over the period, with some days recording as many as 15 cases and others as few as one.Providing an update on the outbreak, the commissioner revealed that laboratory tests conducted on 76 samples confirmed 10 positive cases, while 63 samples returned negative results. “Another three samples collected on March 26 are still pending results.

” $(document).ready(function(){(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).

push({})}); Abayomi disclosed that the outbreak has been reported in multiple Local Government Areas (LGAs), with Eti-Osa being the most affected, recording 44 suspected cases. According to him, other impacted LGs include Alimosho, Badagry, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Ojo, Mushin, and Lagos Island, where various numbers of suspected and confirmed cases have been identified.He emphasized that in the interest of public safety, all confirmed cases are mandated to remain on admission for treatment.

He urged the public to cooperate with health authorities, noting that this measure is essential to prevent further transmission of the disease.Signs and symptomsAccording to the World Health Organisation (WHO), diphtheria, a serious bacterial infection, manifests with symptoms like a sore throat, fever, and a thick, gray coating in the throat or nose, this can lead to difficulty breathing and swallowing.“Others are: Sore throat and difficulty swallowing; A hallmark symptom, often mistaken for a bad sore throat in its early stages; swollen glands in the neck, hoarseness, weakness and fatigue, nasal discharge, cough, drooling, malaise, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing or rapid breathing, bluish coloration of the skin and skin sores.

“Also, heart problems: Diphtheria toxin can cause inflammation of the heart muscle and valves, potentially leading to heart failure, nerve damage: It can cause nerve damage, leading to paralysis, sluggishness or lethargy, paralysis and lung infection or loss of lung function.” $(document).ready(function(){(adsbygoogle = window.

adsbygoogle || []).push({})}); Contagious bacteria“Diphtheria, a highly contagious bacterial infection, spreads primarily through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, or through direct contact with infected sores or ulcers. When someone with diphtheria coughs or sneezes, they release tiny droplets containing the bacteria into the air.

If someone nearby inhales these droplets, they can become infected.“Diphtheria can also spread through direct contact with infected open sores or ulcers. Less commonly, diphtheria can spread through contact with contaminated objects, such as shared cups, cutlery, clothing, or bedding.

“It can also spread through asymptomatic carriers; some people can carry the diphtheria bacteria without showing any symptoms and can still transmit the infection to others.”State’s responseAbayomi stated that as part of the state’s response, 21 individuals have received Diphtheria Antitoxin (DAT) treatment, with King’s College, Eti-Osa, accounting for the highest number of recipients;14. Other beneficiaries were from Lagos State Model School, Meiran, and various locations in Alimosho, Kosofe, and Badagry.

$(document).ready(function(){(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).

push({})}); “The data analysis from the outbreak report shows that the outbreak peaked in the third, fourth, and tenth weeks of 2025, with four cases confirmed each week. He however, noted that a decline in the number of cases in recent weeks indicates that containment measures may be yielding positive results.“The state government has intensified contact tracing efforts, with 118 individuals identified as potential contacts of infected persons.

Out of these, follow-up has been completed for 100 individuals, while 18 are still pending. Additionally, 36 individuals across affected LGAs have received prophylaxis to prevent further spread”, he said.H also noted that the confirmed cases have been linked to locations such as King’s College in Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State Model School, Meran in Alimosho LGA, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) in Mushin, De-Emmaculate School, Mile 12 in Kosofe LGA, and Gbara Junior Secondary School in Eti-Osa LGA.

“These areas remain focal points for intensified interventions, including targeted vaccination campaigns and public awareness efforts,” he added.Hygiene practices“Practicing frequent hand washing, especially before handling food and after being in public places, can help prevent the spread of the bacteria. Avoiding contact with infected individuals; if someone is known to have diphtheria, it’s important to avoid close contact with them.

Covering coughs and sneezes, and properly disposing of tissues, can help prevent the spread of the disease.“Also, prompt diagnosis and treatment of diphtheria cases are crucial to prevent complications and further spread. Close contacts of individuals with diphtheria may be given antibiotics to prevent infection or in some cases, quarantine measures may be necessary to prevent the spread of the disease.

$(document).ready(function(){(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).

push({})}); “For travel precaution, if traveling to areas where diphtheria is common, ensure you are up-to-date on your vaccinations and consider a booster dose. Also, healthcare workers should follow infection control protocols, including proper hand hygiene and using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).”Vaccination effortsThe Commissioner reiterated that vaccination efforts targeting close contacts of index cases, suspected patients, and frontline health workers remain ongoing.

He disclosed that a total of 36,310 individuals have been vaccinated so far. This, according to him, includes 7,473 individuals aged nine to 17 years and 28,837 individuals aged 18 years and above, among whom 13,633 are healthcare workers.He further disclosed that risk communication and public health sensitization efforts, which commenced at the onset of the outbreak, have been reinforced through community-based social mobilization and media campaigns.

“As Lagos residents prepare for the Easter celebrations, and the second-term school vacation, the Commissioner urged strict adherence to precautionary measures. He advised the public to maintain high levels of hygiene, wash hands regularly, use sanitizers, and avoid crowded places.He emphasized the need for prompt reporting of symptoms such as cough, runny nose, fever, sore throat, red eyes, neck swelling, and thick grey or white patches on the throat.

“Reporting these symptoms immediately can save lives and prevent further transmission of diphtheria,” he stressed, adding that treatment for suspected cases is available free of charge at designated government health facilities. $(document).ready(function(){(adsbygoogle = window.

adsbygoogle || []).push({})}); Combating diseaseAbayomi acknowledged the support of the NCDC, WHO and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in providing technical assistance and resources to combat the disease.He assured that the state government, through the Ministry of Health and its partners, is intensifying surveillance, treatment, and prevention efforts.

“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide regular updates. Residents are advised to stay informed and adhere to all public health advisories,” he said.The Commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all residents, urging them to cooperate with health authorities to mitigate the outbreak and prevent future occurrences.

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