Nigeria diphtheria outbreak: CDC issues travel notice

July 27, 2023

Africa, US News

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In January, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) issued a public health advisory over a diphtheria outbreak in several states.

From May 2022 through June 2023, Nigeria has reported a total of 2,455 suspected diphtheria cases from 24 states. Kano (2,171), Yobe (95), Katsina (61), Lagos (29), FCT (22), Sokoto (14) & Zamfara (13) accounted for 98.0% of suspected cases.

Of this total, 836 (34.1%) were confirmed. 160 of the confirmed cases were reported in June 2023.

A total of 83 deaths were recorded among all confirmed cases (CFR: 9.9%).

The outbreak of diphtheria in several states in Nigeria has prompted the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to issue a travel notice.

Health officials advise travelers to Nigeria:

Vaccination against diphtheria is essential to protect against disease. If you are traveling to an affected area, you should be up to date with your diphtheria vaccines. Before travel, discuss the need for a booster dose with your healthcare professional.
Avoid contact with persons with symptoms of diphtheria, such as fever, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, change in voice, shortness of breath, weakness, or fatigue.
Avoid touching the wounds of others.

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Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Wash your hands often with soap and water.
If you feel sick during travel, seek medical care immediately. If you are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated against diphtheria and may have been exposed, it is important to start treatment, with antitoxin and antibiotics, as soon as possible.
If you feel sick after returning from travel, seek medical care immediately. Tell your healthcare professional about your diphtheria vaccination status and your recent travel, including where you went and what you did.