A devastating outbreak of diphtheria has reportedly claimed the lives of four children in four villages within Minjibir Local Government Area of Kano State. According to authorities, at least 28 more children are currently receiving treatment after contracting the illness.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by Tasiu Yahaya Dadin-Duniya, the Information Officer of the local government area. The affected villages include Kwarkiya, Kuru, Kunya, and Minjibir.
Expressing grave concern, Muhammad Yakubu Kunya, the Interim Management Officer of Minjibir Local Government Area, has urgently called upon authorities and stakeholders to intervene and safeguard the health of the communities.
Reacting to the distressing news, Dr. Ajidahun Olusina, a prominent Nigerian doctor, public health advocate, and founder of Priv Health, took to X (formerly Twitter), expressing concern over the outbreak. He emphasised the preventable nature of the disease and shared vital information on recognising its symptoms and appropriate actions to take.
“Diphtheria, caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium Diphtheria, usually starts with fever, chills, red eyes, tiredness, sore throat, swollen neck, cough, headache, and, in some cases, nosebleeds,” Olusina explained. “It also produces toxins that can destroy the airways, causing a greyish-white patch in the throat.”
Olusina warned that the dangers of diphtheria could extend to widespread systemic complications if left untreated, as the toxins produced by the bacteria can travel through the bloodstream and damage vital organs, including the heart and nerves.
To combat the outbreak, Olusina urged parents to ensure their children receive the complete three-dose diphtheria vaccine series as per the immunisation schedule. He also advised individuals with suspected symptoms to isolate themselves and contact the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) toll-free number for further guidance.
Dr. Olusina also advised healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion and promptly report any suspected cases to facilitate appropriate treatment and containment measures.
The district head of Minjibir Local Government Area has called upon traditional rulers and Islamic scholars to raise awareness within their communities and offer prayers for relief from this resurgent public health threat.