WHO African Region Health Emergency Situation Report – Multi-country Outbreak of Diphtheria, Consolidated Regional Situation Report # 008 – As of May 26, 2024 – Nigeria

HIGHLIGHTS

 As of 26 May, 2024, 40,929 suspected cases of diphtheria have been reported since 2023 across seven countries: Cameroon, Gabon, Guinea, Nigeria, Niger, Mauritania, and South Africa.

 Mauritania has not reported cases since epidemiological week 44 of 2023, and the outbreak in Pollsmoor Prison, Western Cape Province, South Africa, has been successfully contained. Similarly, Cameroon has not reported cases since 7 January, 2024.

 The diphtheria outbreak is no longer active in Cameroon, Mauritania, and South Africa.

 Nigeria was the most severely affected, accounting for 78% of cases and 70% of deaths.

 Recent epidemiological trends indicate a slight increase in weekly cases in Guinea and Niger over the past two weeks. Overall, a declining trend is observed in the other affected countries.

 Guinea remains a priority country, still classified as Grade 2. The grade has been removed for the other countries, but close monitoring continues.