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Nigeria: What You Need to Know About Diphtheria
Premium Times, 31 January 2023
Worldwide, the incidence of diphtheria has reduced dramatically in the past five decades, thanks to widespread immunisation using a diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine. Read more »
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Nigeria: Diphtheria - Why Childhood Immunisation Is Crucial
Leadership, 30 January 2023
Diphtheria, a serious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium species has been reported in about four states across the country. Read more »
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Nigeria: What You Should Know About the Diphtheria Outbreak in Nigeria
Africa Check, 30 January 2023
An outbreak of diphtheria, a serious disease that is especially harmful to children, has been confirmed in Nigeria. But what is diphtheria, and what leads to its spread? Read more »
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Africa: Outbreaks to Watch - Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Surge Post-Pandemic
The New Humanitarian, 25 January 2023
'The impact of these [COVID-related] disruptions to immunisation services will be felt for decades to come.' Read more »
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Nigeria: 38 Deaths 'Ve Occurred Out of 123 Diphtheria Cases Recorded in Nigeria, Says NCDC
Vanguard, 24 January 2023
NO fewer than 38 persons have died out of the 123 diphtheria cases recorded in Nigeria so far, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, has said. Read more »
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Nigeria: Diphtheria - Nigeria Records 123 Infections, 38 Deaths
Premium Times, 24 January 2023
According to NCDC, diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium called Corynebacterium species that affects the nose, throat and sometimes, the skin of an… Read more »
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Nigeria: Towards Checking the Spread of Diphtheria
Leadership, 21 January 2023
The Kano State commissioner for health, Dr Aminu Tsanyawa, recently confirmed the outbreak of the deadly diphtheria disease which is reported to have killed no fewer than 25… Read more »
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Nigeria: Nigeria Confirms Outbreak of New Infection, Records 25 Deaths
Premium Times, 20 January 2023
NCDC listed symptoms of diphtheria to include fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, red eyes (conjunctivitis) and neck swelling. Read more »
What You Should Know About the Diphtheria Outbreak in Nigeria
An outbreak of diphtheria, a serious disease that is especially harmful to children, has been confirmed in Nigeria. But what is diphtheria, and what leads to its spread, asks Motunrayo Joel from Africa Check.
Diphtheria is a highly contagious infection that is often fatal in up to 10% of cases. It is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheria, of which humans are the only natural host. It affects all age groups but mostly young children. It is transmitted through respiratory secretions, or by breathing in droplets from an infected person when they cough or sneeze.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) which tackles public health emergencies in Nigeria has raised the alarm over an outbreak of diphtheria, a serious bacterial infection. The agency has reported that it recorded a total of 123 cases so far and 23 deaths across four states of the federation as of January 22, 2023.
Health experts have said the 2023 outbreak in Nigeria was caused by the widening gap in immunisation coverage. The NCDC says it is supporting states with antitoxins for the treatment of confirmed cases of diphtheria, and that it is also working with scientists to increase the diagnostic capacity for diphtheria.
