Nigeria cholera diphtheria outbreaks persist

Nigeria is grappling with concurrent outbreaks of cholera and diphtheria in 2026. The United States — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported over 65,000 suspected cholera cases across 35 states and about 195 local government areas, with Nigeria — Borno State accounting for the majority. Weekly cholera cases have declined from the peak, and the case fatality rate is lower than last year, but the NCDC warns the outbreak is not over, especially with the rainy season and potential flooding. Additionally, more than 10,000 confirmed diphtheria cases have been recorded, concentrated in Kano, Borno, and Bauchi states, driven largely by inadequate vaccination coverage. The NCDC is coordinating response efforts, including oral cholera vaccination, water chlorination, and reactive diphtheria vaccination, while urging state and local governments to strengthen water, sanitation, and immunization infrastructure.