Diphtheria outbreak hits 29 Katsina LGAs -Official
Katsina State in Nigeria has reported a diphtheria outbreak across 29 local government areas as of late August 2026. Health officials have launched a reactive vaccination campaign in high-risk areas to curb the spread of the infectious respiratory disease.
Why it matters
The outbreak highlights ongoing public health challenges and the critical importance of vaccination coverage in preventing infectious disease mortality.
From Agaju Madugba , Katsina The Katsina State Government has confirmed the outbreak of diphtheria in parts of the state. “As of epidemiological week 35 of 2026, (28 August 2026), Katsina State has recorded suspected cases of diphtheria across 29 local government areas,” the acting Executive Secretary of the Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Shema’u Kabir, told journalists yesterday. According to her, “the distribution of cases shows that some LGAs are more affected than others, with Funtua recording the highest burden, followed by other affected LGAs, including Kankia, Bakori, Katsina, Mashi and Daura. “Diphtheria is a serious but preventable infectious disease that primarily affects the respiratory tract. “It can spread from person to person, particularly in communities where vaccination coverage is inadequate.
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