# Diphtheria outbreak spreads across multiple Nigerian states > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/diphtheria-outbreak-in-kano-and-katsina-states > Updated: 2026-09-10T10:09:06.000Z. Sources: 33. Developments: 5. The diphtheria outbreak in Nigeria has expanded to include Zamfara State, where health authorities have reported 39 deaths and 261 suspected cases across 10 Local Government Areas. Gusau has recorded the highest burden with 191 cases. Officials attribute the spread in Zamfara to missed vaccinations and immunization hesitancy, particularly among young children. In Plateau State, the outbreak—first noted in early August primarily in densely populated areas of Jos North—has reached 23 deaths and 148 suspected cases, though some local reports suggest the death toll may be as high as 27. In response to the spread in Jos North, Wase, Jos South, and Bassa Local Government Areas, the Plateau State Government has ordered the indefinite closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools, effective September 7, 2026. Health Commissioner Dr. Nicholas Baamlong expressed concern regarding the “national unavailability of diphtheria antitoxin,” noting that the federal government is working to procure the necessary treatment. Patients are currently receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital and the Plateau Specialist Hospital, where isolation centers have been established. The state has alerted the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) to assist with laboratory confirmation and sample transportation. In Katsina State, the outbreak spans 29 Local Government Areas, with Funtua recording the highest burden. Health officials attribute the spread to low vaccination rates and porous borders with the Niger Republic. In Kano State, authorities have confirmed two diphtheria-related deaths. The Nigerian Federal Government continues to manage the crisis through an emergency multi-agency task force focusing on intensified surveillance and immunization efforts. In Lagos State, Health Commissioner Prof. Akin Abayomi has denied reports of a widespread outbreak, stating that while the state has recorded 53 suspected cases and six laboratory-confirmed cases, all confirmed cases were appropriately managed. ## Claims - Plateau State recorded 143 suspected diphtheria cases over a two-week period. (disputed) - Plateau State has recorded 148 suspected cases of diphtheria and 23 deaths. (disputed) - The school closure directive takes effect on Monday, September 7, 2026. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Suspected diphtheria cases have been reported in Jos North, Wase, Jos South, and Bassa Local Government Areas. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The Plateau State Government ordered the temporary closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Suspected diphtheria cases have been recorded across 29 local government areas in Katsina State. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The Katsina State Government has secured 650,000 additional doses of diphtheria-containing vaccines. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Health officials attribute the spread of diphtheria in Katsina to low vaccination rates and porous borders with Niger. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Patients are receiving treatment at Jos University Teaching Hospital and Plateau Specialist Hospital. (corroborated by 2 sources) - At least 150,346 vaccinations were administered within five days of the reactive campaign. (single source) - The Nigerian federal government activated an emergency task force to contain outbreaks in Katsina and Kano. (single source) - Two diphtheria-related deaths were confirmed in Kano State. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-10: Lagos State officials deny widespread diphtheria outbreak Lagos State officials have confirmed there is no widespread diphtheria outbreak in the state, though they are intensifying surveillance and vaccination efforts following suspected cases. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lagos-state-officials-deny-widespread-diphtheria-outbreak ### 2026-09-04: Plateau State shuts schools following diphtheria outbreak Plateau State has ordered the indefinite closure of all primary and secondary schools starting September 7, 2026, following a suspected diphtheria outbreak that has caused at least 23 deaths. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/diphtheria-outbreaks-in-nigeria-cause-dozens-of-deaths-in-zamfara-and-plateau ### 2026-08-31: Diphtheria outbreak spreads across multiple Nigerian states Nigeria is battling diphtheria outbreaks in Katsina, Kano, and Plateau states. Emergency vaccination campaigns and a federal task force have been activated to contain the spread and manage rising deaths. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/katsina-state-battles-diphtheria-outbreak-across-29-lgas ### 2026-08-28: Nigeria activates emergency task force for diphtheria outbreak Nigeria has activated an emergency task force and deployed 500,000 vaccine doses to combat a diphtheria outbreak among children in Katsina and Kano states. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-activates-emergency-task-force-for-diphtheria-outbreak ### 2026-08-25: Kano State diphtheria outbreak kills over 50 children A diphtheria outbreak in Kano State, Nigeria, has reportedly killed over 50 children. Lawmakers are calling for urgent government intervention and additional vaccines to contain the spreading disease. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kano-state-lawmakers-call-for-emergency-aid-amid-diphtheria-outbreak --- Cite as: Diphtheria outbreak spreads across multiple Nigerian states. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/diphtheria-outbreak-in-kano-and-katsina-states