Katsina Diphtheria Survivor: When I Spat, Blood Came Out With My Saliva

| Nasarawa records 15 confirmed cases | Katsina health workers insist on strike as patients suffer

BY PATIENCE IVIE IHEJIRIKA, GODWIN ENNA, AHMED TAHIR, ACHOR ABIMAJE

Some survivors of the diphtheria outbreak ravaging parts of Northern Nigeria, including Katsina, Kano, Plateau and Nasarawa states, have recounted their experiences, with some saying they could not explain how they contracted the disease.

Communities in the affected states have been battling outbreaks that have claimed several lives and led to the admission of many patients in isolation centres.

Badiya Bishir, a resident of Sabuwar Unguwar in Katsina metropolis who has recovered from diphtheria, said she did not know when or where she contracted the disease.

“I don’t know when I contracted the disease. It started when I began having difficulty swallowing saliva. I couldn’t sleep that night. When I started spitting, blood came out with my saliva ,” she said.

She was rushed to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with diphtheria and placed on medication.

“I was later given medication, and now I’m okay,” she said.

Also, Sadiq Muhammad Tukur, whose wife contracted diphtheria, said he was initially disturbed by her condition but did not realise that she had the disease.

He said he initially thought her symptoms were caused by catarrh until doctors confirmed the diagnosis.

“I was disturbed when it started. At first, I thought it was catarrh, but later it was confirmed to be the disease,” he said.

Tukur disclosed that he spent more than N50,000 on his wife’s medication and treatment, highlighting the financial burden associated with the disease.

Katsina Health Workers Insist On Strike As Patients, Staff Bear Brunt

Meanwhile, a looming strike by health workers in Katsina State threatens to further strain the state’s healthcare system as authorities battle the diphtheria outbreak and facilities grapple with rising patient loads.

The Medical and Health Workers’ Union has announced plans to commence industrial action from 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday over what it described as the Katsina State Government’s failure to satisfactorily address its demands for salary adjustment, allowances, welfare and other conditions of service.

The planned strike has raised concerns about its possible impact on healthcare delivery, particularly for patients receiving treatment for diphtheria and other infectious diseases.

However, the union insists that the planned action predates the current outbreak.

Speaking on the matter, Comrade Ibrahim Awal Balengi said the union had been engaging the government for more than two years over workers’ welfare and other grievances.

He said the union issued its ultimatum before the diphtheria outbreak became a major concern in the state.

According to Balengi, the government’s latest engagement with the workers was not a negotiation but an “informative engagement”, during which officials presented the government’s position on the workers’ demands.

He said the government offered a 10 per cent increase in the salary variation demanded by the workers, but the offer was rejected.

The workers are also demanding improved allowances and other benefits, arguing that their counterparts in neighbouring states and federal institutions enjoy better conditions of service.

Balengi said the union remained open to dialogue and would reconsider the planned action if the government returned to genuine negotiations.

“We are open for dialogue. We expect an engagement from the government,” he said.

Government Response

When contacted for comment on the planned strike and the workers’ grievances, the Katsina State Head of Service, Masa’udu Mustapha Banyi, declined to comment directly.

However, a message from his office said government officials were holding a meeting on the matter and would communicate with the press “in due course.”

The proposed strike has heightened concerns among patients and health-sector stakeholders, who fear that further disruption could put additional pressure on an already stretched healthcare system.

Health Workers Under Pressure

An investigation by LEADERSHIP revealed that welfare concerns among health workers in the state extend beyond the current salary dispute.

Several health workers interviewed expressed dissatisfaction with their take-home pay and other conditions of service, particularly when compared with their counterparts in federal health institutions.

The situation has reportedly contributed to the departure of some health professionals from the state’s public health system, with some resigning to pursue opportunities in private hospitals, federal institutions and elsewhere.

The investigation further revealed that about 14 doctors reportedly left state-owned hospitals between February and June 2026, worsening manpower shortages in some facilities.

Health workers are also reportedly attending to exceptionally high numbers of patients, with some staff in state-owned facilities handling more than 60 patients in a single day.

The combination of staff shortages, high patient volumes and concerns over remuneration has raised questions about the health system’s ability to sustain quality services, particularly during an infectious disease outbreak.

Nasarawa Records 15 Confirmed Diphtheria Cases

The Nasarawa State Ministry of Health has confirmed 15 cases of diphtheria in an ongoing outbreak, with most of the infections concentrated in Keffi Local Government Area.

The Director of Public Health, Dr Attah Peter, disclosed this in an interview on Wednesday.

According to Peter, 11 of the 15 confirmed cases are from Keffi, three from Lafia and one from Wamba. The affected children are aged between two months and 11 years.

He described the outbreak as a recurrent problem largely driven by failure to immunise children.

“Most of the children that are actually coming down with diphtheria are all those unimmunized children — children whose parents or caregivers actually failed to take the children during the routine immunisation after birth,” Peter said.

He wondered why an 11-year-old should still be vulnerable to the disease, noting that the child should have been protected if vaccination had been administered as recommended.

“It has been a recurrent thing. You begin to wonder why an 11-year-old is coming down with diphtheria at this age. 11 years ago, that caregiver should have taken this child for vaccination. That was not done, and so the child, even at this age, is still vulnerable,” he said.

Peter linked the situation in Nasarawa to outbreaks in other states, citing Kano, where his colleague reported cases among people as old as 50 who had never received the vaccine.

“If you don’t receive the vaccination, you won’t develop the immunity to actually be able to prevent yourself from coming down with it,” he said.

On fatalities, the director said the state recorded deaths last year, but no deaths had been recorded this year among cases that presented at health facilities.

“Because this year we were prepared for it, and all those cases that presented themselves in the facility, we don’t have any cases of fatality. Maybe because of the clinician’s high index of suspicion and then the commencement of treatment early enough,” he explained.

He said vaccines had been deployed to the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, and the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lafia, to manage cases, including one referred from Wamba.

Peter urged parents and caregivers to take advantage of free routine immunisation available at primary healthcare facilities across the state.

“For every child, the routine immunisation is free. It’s just for you to make an effort to take this child to where these vaccines are available, and they are free, and they’re readily accessible to almost every primary healthcare facility,” he said.

He reminded caregivers that routine immunisation runs from birth to 18 months, including yellow fever and measles vaccines at nine months, measles booster at 15 months, and HPV vaccination for girls aged nine to 11 to prevent cervical cancer.

He also advised anyone with symptoms suggestive of diphtheria to report immediately to the nearest health facility for early treatment.

Diphtheria: What Nigerians Need To Know

As Northern Nigeria continues to battle outbreaks of diphtheria, parents, caregivers and communities have been advised not to dismiss symptoms that could indicate the infection, as early recognition, prompt treatment and vaccination remain critical to preventing deaths and further transmission.

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium species. It primarily affects the nose and throat and can sometimes affect the skin. In severe cases, the bacteria produce a toxin that damages tissues and organs, making the disease potentially life-threatening.

The Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr Jide Idris, said people who have not received any, or have received only a single dose, of the pentavalent vaccine are particularly vulnerable.

He said the risk is also higher among people living in crowded environments or areas with poor sanitation, while healthcare workers and others who come into close contact with suspected or confirmed cases are also at increased risk.

How Is Diphtheria Contracted?

According to the NCDC, diphtheria spreads mainly through direct contact with an infected person and respiratory droplets produced when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. It can also spread through contact with contaminated clothing and objects.

Crowded homes, schools, workplaces and other environments where people are in close contact can therefore facilitate transmission, particularly where vaccination coverage is low.

Following exposure to the bacteria, signs and symptoms usually begin within two to 10 days, the agency said.

How Does Diphtheria Present?

The early symptoms of diphtheria can resemble those of other common respiratory infections, making the disease difficult to detect.

The NCDC lists fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough and red eyes (conjunctivitis) among the symptoms.

As the disease progresses, more serious signs may emerge, including neck swelling. In severe cases, a thick grey or white patch may develop over the tonsils or at the back of the throat.

The agency has urged health workers to maintain a high index of suspicion, especially when patients present with compatible symptoms and have incomplete or unknown vaccination histories.

What Should Be Done When Infection Is Suspected?

Idris said anyone developing symptoms suggestive of diphtheria should seek urgent medical care and avoid close contact with others while awaiting medical evaluation.

He advised individuals with signs and symptoms suggestive of diphtheria to isolate themselves and notify the appropriate health authorities, including the Local Government Area, the State Disease Surveillance Officer (DSNO) or the NCDC through its toll-free line.

The DG also advised people who had been in close contact with a confirmed case not to assume they were safe simply because they had no symptoms.

The NCDC recommends that close contacts be closely monitored and receive antibiotic prophylaxis, while diphtheria antitoxin should be administered when indicated.

Healthcare workers attending to suspected or confirmed cases must also take appropriate infection prevention and control measures to protect themselves and prevent further spread.

How Can Diphtheria Be Prevented?

The NCDC said vaccination remains the most effective protection against diphtheria.

Under Nigeria’s childhood immunisation schedule, children are recommended to receive three doses of the pentavalent vaccine, which contains diphtheria toxoid, at six, 10 and 14 weeks of life.

Beyond vaccination, reducing overcrowding, maintaining good hygiene and sanitation, and quickly identifying and managing suspected cases can help limit transmission.

The persistence of diphtheria outbreaks in Nigeria underscores the consequences of immunisation gaps. Where children miss routine vaccination, immunity gaps can accumulate, creating pockets of susceptible populations where vaccine-preventable diseases can resurface and spread.

Epidemiological Report

Nigeria recorded 40,460 confirmed cases of diphtheria and 2,151 deaths between Epidemiological Week 19 of 2022 and Week 3 of 2026, according to the NCDC epidemiological report.

The NCDC’s January 2026 update showed that 61,930 suspected cases were reported across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, involving 450 Local Government Areas during the period.

Of the suspected cases, 40,460 (65.3 per cent) were confirmed, 17,020 (27.5 per cent) were discarded and 4,450 (7.2 per cent) remained pending classification.

The confirmed cases were spread across 300 LGAs in 31 states, with Kano State accounting for the largest share. Kano recorded 24,687 confirmed cases, followed by Borno with 5,077, Bauchi with 4,139, Yobe with 3,159 and Katsina with 2,589. Kaduna recorded 156 confirmed cases, Sokoto 146 and Plateau 137.

Among suspected cases, Kano recorded 31,171, followed by Borno (7,274), Yobe (6,682), Katsina (5,714), Bauchi (5,406), Kaduna (1,876) and Sokoto (481).

Together, the seven states accounted for 94.6 per cent of all suspected cases reported during the period, while the confirmed cases reported in Kano, Yobe, Bauchi, Katsina, Borno, Plateau, Sokoto and Kaduna accounted for 99.1 per cent of all confirmed cases.

Children bore the brunt of the outbreak, with 26,226, representing 64.8 per cent of confirmed cases, occurring among children aged one to 14 years.

The vaccination status of those infected was also concerning. Only 5,974, or 14.3 per cent, of the 40,460 confirmed cases were fully vaccinated with a diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine.

Of the confirmed cases, 612 were laboratory-confirmed, 987 were epidemiologically linked and 38,861 were classified as clinically compatible. The outbreak recorded a case fatality rate of 5.3 per cent, with 2,151 deaths among confirmed cases.

Meanwhile, as of August 28, 2026, the NCDC DG said Nigeria had recorded more than 10,000 confirmed cases of diphtheria this year, with most cases concentrated in Kano, Borno and Bauchi states.

He, however, said there had been a significant decline in deaths among infected persons compared with the same period last year.

Plateau NMA Chairman Identifies Inadequate Vaccination Coverage As Contributing Factor To Diphtheria Outbreaks

The chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Plateau State chapter, Dr Andrew Shainaan, has identified poor and inadequate vaccination coverage as a major factor contributing to diphtheria outbreaks.

He explained that diphtheria is a bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which produces a dangerous toxin that can affect vital organs, including the heart and kidneys.

Shainaan said the disease spreads mainly through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing, direct contact with infected persons or skin lesions, and contaminated surfaces.

He stressed the importance of immunisation in building community immunity and protecting vulnerable populations.

Shainaan disclosed this while speaking to LEADERSHIP in Jos.

According to him, common symptoms include sore throat, fever, difficulty breathing, and swelling around the neck or under the jaw caused by inflamed lymph nodes.

“Children, particularly those between ages four and 14, are among the most vulnerable, although adults with weakened immunity can also be affected.”

On treatment and management, he said patients require antibiotics, antitoxin treatment, airway support, rehydration and, importantly, isolation to prevent further transmission.

He advised members of the public, especially parents, not to dismiss symptoms such as cough, fever and difficulty breathing as an ordinary cold.

“Such patients should be taken promptly to a hospital for proper diagnosis and treatment rather than resorting to self-medication or visiting chemist shops.”

He maintained that early detection, prompt hospital treatment, isolation of infected persons and improved vaccination coverage were critical to containing the spread of diphtheria in the state.

LEADERSHIP recalls that at least 15 people have died following a suspected outbreak of diphtheria in several communities in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Also, at least 117 people are suspected to have contracted the disease, raising concerns among health authorities over a possible escalation of the outbreak.

The Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO) for Jos North Local Government Area, Mr Baks Bulus, disclosed this to newsmen at the Jos North Local Government Secretariat.

Bulus said the deaths were recorded within three days of the outbreak, warning that more cases could emerge if urgent preventive measures were not taken.

“I can account for what is happening in Jos North. So far, based on data gathered from the communities, 117 people are suspected of having contracted the disease.

“Out of this number, we have already recorded 15 deaths, based on the records available to us as of now,” he said.

The development came barely two days after a family in Jos reportedly lost two children, aged between 12 and 17, to the suspected infection.

Explaining the mode of transmission, Bulus said diphtheria is a bacterial infection that can spread rapidly from person to person, particularly among close contacts.

He said people who share personal items, such as utensils and towels, with infected persons are at risk of contracting the disease.

“Diphtheria can be transmitted from person to person. It spreads when people come into close contact with an infected patient, and it can be disastrous.

“For children who have been vaccinated, the effects may be milder and may not lead to death. But for a child who has not been fully vaccinated or has not completed the required doses, it can be deadly,” he said.

The DSNO stressed that diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable disease and noted that children who receive the recommended vaccine doses are adequately protected.

He urged residents, particularly those in affected communities, to maintain good personal hygiene and promptly report suspected symptoms at government health facilities.

“People should maintain good personal hygiene and avoid overcrowded places. We advise residents to visit the nearest health facility because early detection is key to saving lives.

“Most times, people resort to chemists and self-medication, which we do not advise. The best approach is to visit primary healthcare centres where we have the necessary structures and personnel in place,” Bulus added.

He said health personnel from the local government had been deployed to affected communities to intensify surveillance and sensitise residents on measures to prevent further spread of the disease.