Nigeria is currently dealing with a significant burden of diphtheria, with recent reports indicating that more than 10,000 cases have been recorded in 2026. Eight states — Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Borno, Bauchi, Plateau, Sokoto and Zamfara — account for about 98% of confirmed cases.
But behind the numbers is a simple message:
Diphtheria is preventable, and knowing the warning signs can save lives.
What is diphtheria?
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by toxin-producing strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
It commonly affects the nose and throat. The bacteria can produce a toxin that damages tissues and, in severe cases, can affect organs such as the heart and nervous system.
The infection can spread from person to person, particularly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Some infected people may have few or no obvious symptoms while still being able to spread the bacteria.
This is one reason outbreaks can spread within communities before everyone realises what is happening.
What are the symptoms?
Diphtheria can initially look like an ordinary throat infection.
Common symptoms include:
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Weakness or tiredness
- Swollen glands in the neck
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swelling of the neck
One of the more characteristic signs of respiratory diphtheria is a thick grey or white coating (pseudomembrane) in the throat or nose. This can make breathing and swallowing difficult.
However, not every person with diphtheria will have the classic grey membrane. Some infections can be milder, which means that symptoms should not be ignored simply because the throat does not have an obvious coating.
Why can diphtheria be dangerous?
The biggest concern is not simply the sore throat.
The toxin produced by the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and damage important organs. Severe complications can include problems affecting the heart, kidneys and nervous system.
This is why early medical assessment and treatment are important when diphtheria is suspected.
Waiting at home to see whether a severe sore throat “will pass” can delay the treatment and public-health measures that may be needed.
How does diphtheria spread?
Diphtheria can spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
It can also spread through close contact with an infected person and, in some forms of the disease, through contact with infected skin lesions or contaminated items.
This means that crowded environments and close contact can make transmission easier.
Can diphtheria be prevented?
Yes. Vaccination is the most important protection against diphtheria.
Diphtheria-containing vaccines have been used for many years and are highly important in preventing severe disease and outbreaks. WHO identifies vaccination as the best protection against diphtheria.
Yet vaccination gaps remain an important part of Nigeria’s current diphtheria problem.
NCDC has reported that approximately 68% of confirmed cases in the recent data it presented were among people who had not been vaccinated.
This does not mean that every vaccinated person can never become infected. Rather, it highlights how important vaccination is in reducing the risk of serious disease and preventing outbreaks.
What should parents do?
If you have children, check their vaccination status.
Do not assume that your child is fully protected simply because they received some vaccines as a baby.
If you are unsure whether your child has received all recommended doses, speak with a healthcare professional or visit an appropriate vaccination centre to review their immunisation record.
And if your child develops symptoms that could be consistent with diphtheria — particularly a persistent sore throat accompanied by fever, weakness, swollen neck glands, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or a greyish coating in the throat — seek medical attention promptly.
What if someone in the family may have diphtheria?
Do not attempt to manage a suspected case entirely at home.
Seek medical attention promptly and inform the healthcare facility that diphtheria may be suspected.
Diphtheria treatment can involve diphtheria antitoxin and antibiotics, and suspected cases may require infection-control measures, laboratory investigation and follow-up of people who have been in close contact with the patient.
People who have been exposed may need assessment and preventive treatment depending on the circumstances.
One important message for families
Diphtheria is not simply another childhood sore throat.
It is a serious infectious disease, but it is also a disease that can be prevented through vaccination and controlled through early recognition and appropriate medical care.
So if you are a parent, check your child’s vaccination status.
If you are an older brother, sister, uncle, aunt or caregiver, ask the parents in your family whether the children are up to date with their vaccinations.
And if a child develops concerning symptoms, don’t wait for the illness to become severe before seeking help.
A small action today could protect a child tomorrow.
When to seek urgent medical care
Seek urgent medical attention if someone has:
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe difficulty swallowing
- Significant swelling of the neck
- Severe weakness or deterioration
- A grey or white membrane/coating in the throat or nose
- A combination of fever and severe throat symptoms, particularly where diphtheria is circulating
If you believe someone may have diphtheria, avoid close contact with others as much as possible while seeking professional medical advice.
For more information visit https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diphtheria?
