Nigeria faces diphtheria outbreaks in Zamfara and Abuja

Nigeria is facing diphtheria outbreaks in both Zamfara State and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja).

In Zamfara, the Ministry of Health has confirmed 44 deaths and 367 suspected cases. Laboratory tests conducted in Abuja confirmed the presence of the diphtheria-causing bacterium. In response, Governor Dauda Lawal has activated the state’s Incident Management System and Rapid Response Teams. Additionally, the Ministry of Education has postponed the resumption of all public and private basic and secondary schools until September 28 to allow for contact tracing, vaccination checks, and campus decontamination.

In Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) confirmed two deaths following laboratory tests. The FCTA is activating a multidisciplinary Incident Management Team to contain the spread. Health officials reported that while several patients have been treated and discharged, investigations into additional suspected cases are ongoing. Authorities have warned that the bacterial infection can cause a thick membrane in the throat that may block airways, necessitating immediate medical attention if symptoms like fever, sore throat, or neck swelling appear.