Diphtheria Cases Rise in Nigeria as Lagos Becomes Worst-hit State

By Adebowale Bello. B.Tech Microbiology, Freelance Health Writer.

Nigeria has recorded 23 new suspected diphtheria cases in the 10th week of 2025, with Lagos State reporting the highest number of cases. According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Lagos accounted for 20 cases while Katsina State reported three cases.

The increase in cases comes after an outbreak at Kings College, Lagos where 14 students were infected and one student died.

How Health Authorities Are Responding

Health officials at both the state and national levels have taken steps to contain the spread.

• Emergency vaccination drive – The Lagos State Government has launched a rapid vaccination campaign for students and staff at Kings College, Lagos, to prevent more infections.

• Hospital treatment – Most infected students are receiving care at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and are showing signs of recovery.

• School safety measures – The school has introduced hygiene improvements and a mask mandate to limit further infections.

• Government reassurance – Lagos State’s Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, assured the public that the situation is under control and that 12 students are recovering well and expected to be discharged soon.

Diphtheria Cases across Nigeria

Fig. 1: Incidence (per million population) of confirmed diphtheria cases in Nigeria by State, epi-week 19 2022 - epi-week 11 2025  Click on image to enlarge. Source: NCDC Situation Report

Since May 2022, Nigeria has recorded:

• 42,642 suspected cases of diphtheria in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
• 25,812 confirmed cases, mostly from Kano, Bauchi, Yobe and Katsina (see fig. 1).
• 1,319 deaths.

Children aged 1–14 years are the most affected, making up nearly two-thirds of confirmed cases. However, only 19.3% of them have been fully vaccinated against diphtheria, leaving many vulnerable.

Challenges in Controlling the Outbreak

Despite efforts to curb the disease, health officials face several challenges.

• Low vaccination rates – Many children have not received the diphtheria vaccine, increasing their risk of infection.

• Overcrowded schools and poor sanitation – Conditions in some schools and communities make it easier for diphtheria to spread.

• Dry weather conditions – The dry air and dusty harmattan season common in Northern Nigeria especially, can irritate the respiratory tract and make individuals more susceptible to diphtheria by allowing the bacteria to survive for a longer period.

• Misinformation and vaccine hesitancy – Some parents are hesitant about vaccines due to myths and misinformation.

• Limited healthcare access – In rural areas, reaching hospitals for diagnosis and treatment can be difficult.

What Can You Do to Stay Safe

• Get vaccinated – Ensure that children receive all recommended diphtheria vaccines on schedule.

• Watch for symptoms – If you or someone you know experiences sore throat, fever or breathing problems, seek medical help immediately.

• Practise good hygiene – Wash hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes and avoid close contact with sick individuals.

Wrap Up

The Nigerian government, NCDC and international partners like WHO and UNICEF continue to monitor the situation and are working tirelessly to contain the outbreak but public cooperation remains crucial. Maintaining good hygiene, seeking timely medical care and ensuring children receive routine vaccinations can help prevent further spread.

Through sustained surveillance, targeted response measures and collaboration with global health partners, Nigeria is working to control the outbreak and strengthen its defences against future public health threats.

About Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects the throat and airways, making it difficult to breathe. It is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which produces a toxin that can damage the heart, nerves and other organs. The disease spreads through coughs, sneezes or contact with contaminated surfaces.

Common symptoms include sore throat, fever, swollen glands and a thick grey-white coating in the throat. In severe cases, it can lead to breathing difficulties, heart failure or death.

Diphtheria is preventable with vaccines but low immunization rates increase the risk of outbreaks. Prompt treatment with antitoxins and antibiotics is crucial to prevent complications and reduce spread.

Sources: 

• NCDC Situation Report: An update on outbreak of diphtheria in Nigeria. Week 10, 15.03.25
• The Premium Times news release

Published: March 23, 2025

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