Diphtheria transmission dynamics - Unveiling generation time and reproduction numbers from the 2022-2023 outbreak in Kano state, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Diphtheria, caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, remains a serious public health threat in areas with low vaccination coverage, despite global declines due to widespread immunization and improved clinical management. A major outbreak in Nigeria from 2022 to 2023 underscored the persistent risk in regions with inadequate vaccination. This study aims to assess the transmission dynamics of diphtheria in Kano State, the epicenter of the outbreak, by estimating key epidemiological parameters, including the generation time (GT), approximated in our study by serial interval, and effective reproduction number (Rₜ).

Methods

We analyzed diphtheria case-based data from Kano State, Nigeria, collected between August 18, 2022, and November 29, 2023. Generation time was approx

SUBMITTER: Kamadjeu R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11875682 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature