The Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) confirmed 216 diphtheria cases with 40 related fatalities deaths since December 2022. About 184 diphtheria cases were reported as children, confirmed a news report on February 14, 2023. The NCDC confirmed a previous diphtheria outbreak in Borno, north-eastern Nigeria, in 2011, with 98 cases and 21 deaths (the case-fatality ratio was 21.4%).  Diphtheria spreads quickly between people by direct contact or through the air through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. It may also be spread by contaminated clothing and objects. View More.