The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has disclosed that eight states are responsible for about 98 per cent of Nigeria’s confirmed diphtheria cases.
The affected states are Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Borno, Bauchi, Plateau, Sokoto and Zamfara, according to Michael Okali, Principal Health Communication Officer in the Department of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion at the NCDC.
Okali said available data also showed that approximately 68 per cent of people with confirmed diphtheria cases were unvaccinated, underscoring concerns over gaps in immunisation coverage.
For the period between August 24 and August 30, 2026, Nigeria recorded 69 suspected diphtheria cases, of which 48 were confirmed, while four deaths were reported.
The NCDC official said the agency, working alongside the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the Federal Ministry of Health, had intensified efforts to support states affected by the outbreak.
According to him, vaccines have already been supplied to some of the affected states, while efforts are ongoing to increase vaccine stock and ensure primary healthcare centres have adequate supplies.
The health authorities have also established a task force focused on surveillance, contact tracing, case management and strengthening laboratory capacity for the diagnosis of diphtheria.
Plateau Shuts Schools
The development comes as Plateau State battles a surge in suspected diphtheria infections.
The Plateau State Government ordered the temporary closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools in the state as part of measures to limit transmission.
The directive, issued by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, followed reports of suspected cases in areas including Jos North, Wase, Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas.
The school closure took effect on September 7, 2026.
Authorities said 143 suspected cases and 23 deaths had been recorded in the state over a two-week period, according to figures cited in the report.
Katsina Records Spread Across 30 LGAs
In Katsina State, health officials have also raised concerns over the spread of the disease.
The Acting Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Primary Health Care Agency, Dr Shaima’u Abba, said the outbreak had reached 30 of the state’s 34 local government areas.
She said 32 patients were being treated across four isolation centres, while the case fatality rate had risen to about 5.6 per cent.
According to Abba, late presentation at treatment facilities remains a major concern, as some patients only seek medical attention after developing serious complications.
She urged residents to take vaccination seriously, describing immunisation as a key means of preventing diphtheria and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
What Is Diphtheria?
Diphtheria is a bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium bacteria. It can affect the nose, throat, tonsils and larynx and produces a toxin capable of damaging other organs, including the heart, nerves and kidneys.
The infection is mainly spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also spread through contact with infected sores or contaminated objects.
Common symptoms include fever, sore throat, swollen glands around the neck and difficulty breathing.
Health authorities continue to encourage eligible children and adults to receive recommended diphtheria vaccinations and to seek medical attention promptly when symptoms develop.
