At least 98 people have died from diphtheria in Zamfara, Plateau and Gombe states, with health authorities attributing the outbreaks partly to poor immunisation.
The situation is particularly worrying in Kano State, where health officials said more than 55 per cent of confirmed cases since December 2022 were among children who had never received any vaccination, while more than 16 per cent were partially immunised.
Findings by Saturday PUNCH showed that Zamfara has recorded 261 cases and 39 deaths, Plateau 303 suspected cases and 27 fatalities, while Gombe has recorded 311 cases and 32 deaths since January 2026.
Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects the throat and nose and can lead to breathing difficulties, heart failure and death if not treated early. It spreads through direct contact or respiratory droplets.
10 LGs affected in Zamfara
