Nigeria: Yobe Records 511 Diphtheria Cases, 13 Deaths in 2026
[Premium Times] He stated that 12 local government areas in the state were affected by the disease outbreak, adding that plans were at an advanced stage to carry out vaccinations against the disease in these areas.
In Yobe State, Nigeria, diphtheria has claimed 13 lives and infected 511 individuals since January 2026, according to health officials. Commissioner for Health and Human Services Muhammad Gana disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Damaturu. The disease impacted 12 local government areas, with vaccination efforts currently underway.
Gana reported that the case fatality rate stood at 2.5 percent, lower than in many other affected regions. He noted that the number of cases was significantly reduced compared to the 1,100 cases reported in September 2025 and previous years. This decline was attributed to sustained outbreak response activities, including free medication distribution, health worker training, comprehensive vaccinations, community engagement, and contact tracing efforts.
Gana acknowledged assistance from WHO, UNICEF, and AFENET, particularly in reaching nomadic settlements. Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact with infected lesions or secretions.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
