Diphtheria and the personal cost of a global crisis

Diphtheria is making a return, transforming once-disregarded homes and communities into sites of suffering. This bacterial infection, caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, was once a mere historical footnote for many developed countries but is now a severe threat to millions. The widespread use of the diphtheria toxoid vaccine has dramatically reduced cases, but pockets of low vaccination coverage have led to its resurgence worldwide.

Nigeria is particularly hit hard, with an outbreak that began in late 2022 and reached its peak in 2023, accounting for a vast majority of cases in the WHO African region. The crisis, described as the worst in a decade by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, is driven by low vaccination coverage, socio-economic disparity, and recent conflicts.

Diphtheria first appears as a mild sore throat and low-grade fever, but its toxin attacks the throat's tissues, creating a thick membrane that can block the airway. If left untreated, the toxin can cause heart muscle damage, nerve damage, and breathing difficulties. The most powerful defence against diphtheria is the vaccine, which teaches the body to fight the real threat.

However, the crisis is not solely dependent on government intervention; each person's personal responsibility is crucial. Prevention includes good hand hygiene, covering the mouth when coughing, and avoiding close contact with the sick. Once symptoms appear, immediate medical help is vital, as early diagnosis and treatment with diphtheria antitoxin can save lives.