Kano, Diphtheria

The Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KSCDC) has confirmed 12 diphtheria cases at a boarding school, First Lady College, Mariri in Kano.

The KNCDC Director-General, Prof. Muhammad Abbas, disclosed this to newsmen in Kano on Friday, November 13, 2026.

Abbas said the agency received the report on Wednesday and immediately deployed a team to investigate and contain the spread of the disease.

Abbas said: “We tested 313 suspected cases, out of which, 12 were clinically confirmed. We conducted active case searches in the school and confirmed the cases.

“We administered medication to all suspected contacts and sensitised other students on the disease.”

He, however, expressed concern over inadequate vaccine supply, noting that the school requires a mass vaccination campaign to protect its over 2,000 students.

“There is a need for massive vaccination in the school, which we presently do not have. We have to ask for more vaccines to administer to the students,” the KNCDC boss added.

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‎Meanwhile, the Principal of the school, Atine Muhammad, said three students who resumed from their homes showed symptoms suspected to be associated with the disease, and were immediately referred for medical examination.

Muhammad disclosed that the school nurse initially examined the students before they were referred to a hospital for further assessment and confirmation.

She said the students were subsequently sent back to their parents with instructions to take them to the Infectious Diseases Hospital for proper medical attention.

The principal said the parents were also directed to obtain medical reports from certified doctors confirming that their children are healthy before they could return to the school.

Segun Ojo
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