Diphtheria Outbreak

Diphtheria Outbreak mind map
Recent News
Nigeria Outbreak
Since December 2022
798 Confirmed Cases
Highest in Kano State
Children 2-14 Years Majorly Affected
Case Fatality Rate 10%
Low Vaccination Rates
Guinea Outbreak
Since July 2023
538 Cases Reported
18 Confirmed Cases
58 Deaths
Majorly Affects Children 1-4 Years
Case Fatality Rate 11%
When
Nigeria: Since December 2022
Guinea: Since July 2023
Why
Low Vaccination Coverage
Poor Access to Treatment
Global Antitoxin Shortage
What
Caused by Corynebacterium Species
Corynebacterium diphtheriae
Corynebacterium ulcerans
Symptoms
Sore Throat, Fever
Thick Grey/White Patch in Throat
Difficulty Breathing, Swallowing
Barking Cough
Treatment
Diphtheria Antitoxin (DAT)
Antibiotics
Erythromycin Recommended
Resistance to Penicillin
Where
Nigeria
Multiple States Affected
Kano State Most Affected
Guinea
Kankan Region
Siguiri Prefecture Most Affected
Who
Affected Demographics
Children Most at Risk
Unimmunized Individuals
Responding Organizations
NCDC (Nigeria Centre for Disease Control)
WHO (World Health Organization)
UNICEF
MSF (Médecins Sans Frontières)
How
Spread by Respiratory Droplets
Direct Contact Transmission
Significance
Increased Access to DAT
UNICEF's Immunization Efforts
MSF's Emergency Response
Challenges
High Mortality Rate in Children
Treatment Resistance
Lack of Adequate Healthcare Infrastructure
Way Forward
Scale Up Immunization Coverage
Improve Treatment Access
Strengthen Healthcare Systems

Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial disease, primarily caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, and marked by symptoms like sore throat, fever, and a thick grey or white patch in the throat. Recent outbreaks in Nigeria and Guinea have highlighted the challenges posed by this disease, particularly in regions with low vaccination rates and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. Efforts by organizations like the WHO, UNICEF, and MSF are crucial in controlling these outbreaks and reducing the disease’s impact, especially among children who are most at risk.