The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has warned that Nigeria is currently experiencing outbreaks of diphtheria in several states, urging residents to remain informed and take necessary precautions.
The public health agency issued the warning on September 19, 2026, through its official social media account, confirming that diphtheria remains an active public health concern in the country.
The warning comes amid reports of rising cases in parts of northern Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory. Recent NCDC figures cited by Channels Television showed that eight states — Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Borno, Bauchi, Plateau, Sokoto and Zamfara — accounted for 98 per cent of confirmed diphtheria cases recorded in the reporting period.
NCDC officials said that, between August 24 and August 30, 2026, the country recorded 69 suspected cases, 48 confirmed cases and four deaths. The agency said about 68 per cent of the confirmed cases were among people who had not been vaccinated.
The situation has been particularly concerning in Plateau State, where health authorities reported cases in Jos North, Jos South, Bassa and Wase local government areas. The state government subsequently ordered the temporary closure of public and private primary and secondary schools as part of measures to contain transmission.
In Katsina, health authorities have also reported the spread of the disease across a large number of local government areas and attributed the state’s increasing case-fatality rate partly to patients arriving at health facilities after developing serious complications.
The Federal Capital Territory has also recorded confirmed cases. Radio Nigeria reported on September 12 that health authorities were investigating five confirmed cases in Abuja, with two deaths reported in connection with the outbreak.
NCDC’s response includes surveillance, contact tracing, case management, laboratory testing and coordination with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and the Federal Ministry of Health. The agency has also reported efforts to distribute vaccines to affected areas and strengthen available supplies.
Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that can affect the throat and airways and may produce a toxin capable of damaging organs such as the heart and nervous system. It can spread through respiratory droplets and, in some circumstances, contact with contaminated objects or infected sores.
The disease is vaccine-preventable, and health authorities continue to emphasise immunisation as a key measure for preventing infection and limiting outbreaks.
The latest warning comes as Nigeria continues to deal with a significant diphtheria burden. A September 12 report citing NCDC Director-General Dr. Jide Idris said the country had recorded more than 10,000 diphtheria cases during 2026.
The NCDC’s September 19 warning is therefore a current public-health alert rather than a report of a newly emerging disease in Nigeria. Diphtheria outbreaks have been ongoing, but the agency’s latest message underscores that transmission remains active in several states.
Residents, particularly in affected communities, are advised to follow public-health guidance and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms consistent with diphtheria develop.