Adamawa State is currently grappling with a severe outbreak of diphtheria that has claimed the lives of 18 children and infected at least 85 people since the beginning of 2026, health authorities confirmed on Friday.
Dr. Kadabiyu Jones, the State Epidemiologist, disclosed the figures during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yola, describing the situation as a serious public health challenge.
According to Dr. Jones, all 18 fatalities recorded so far were children, primarily under the age of five and between the ages of five and 14.
He emphasised that while people of all ages are susceptible to the contagious respiratory infection, unvaccinated children face the greatest risk due to a lack of immunity.
Diphtheria is a dangerous bacterial disease caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It spreads through respiratory droplets and typically causes severe sore throat, fever, swollen neck glands (often referred to as a “bull neck”), and breathing difficulties.
Left untreated, the disease can lead to severe complications or death.
Shortage of Critical Antitoxin
In response to the outbreak, the Adamawa State Government has prepositioned and distributed essential medications to various health facilities managing cases across the state to boost treatment efforts and reduce mortality.
However, Dr. Jones warned that the state is facing a critical shortage of Diphtheria Antitoxin (DAT), a key medication used to treat severe infections.
“From the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), we received only 50 vials of diphtheria antitoxin, and we have used them,” Dr. Jones revealed. “We also shared some with a neighboring state that was recording cases but had no antitoxin. Right now, we are running out of stock.”
Call to Action for Parents
Highlighting that the vast majority of recorded cases involved unvaccinated children, the epidemiologist urged parents and caregivers to ensure their children receive full routine immunizations against preventable diseases.
Dr. Jones also advised the public to practice good personal hygiene, wash hands regularly, avoid overcrowded environments, and seek immediate medical help at the nearest health facility if symptoms appear.
