An outbreak of Diphtheria has been recorded at the First Lady’s College, Mariri, Kumbotso local government area of Kano State, with health authorities confirming 12 cases after tracing hundreds of suspected infections.
A school official told newsmen on Friday that the outbreak was detected among students of the boarding school, which has over 2,000 students.
He said officials of the Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC) on Thursday started work on it after it was reported.
A student who developed symptoms was admitted at the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH), Kano, while other affected students are receiving treatment within the school premises, it was gathered.
The director-general of KNCDC, Prof Muhammad Adamu Abbas, said the agency received the report on Wednesday and deployed a team to investigate and contain the disease from spreading.
“We received the report on Wednesday and went there immediately for investigation and response aimed at curtailing further spread of the disease. 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,” Abbas said.
He 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,” he said.
We’ve got the edge. Get real-time reports, breaking scoops, and exclusive angles delivered straight to your phone. Don’t settle for stale news. Join LEADERSHIP NEWS on WhatsApp for 24/7 updates →
Join Our WhatsApp Channel
