Diphtheria: Kano gov’t takes active case search to communities with reported deaths
The Kano State Government has taken its diphtheria response directly to communities in Rano Local Government Area following reports of child deaths in Rurum Ward. The move comes after widespread claims that 50 children had died from the disease, a figure later debunked by the Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC). A […]
The Kano State Government has launched an extensive search for diphtheria cases in Rano Local Government Area, following reports of child deaths in Rurum Ward. Initial claims of 50 child deaths were debunked by the Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC), which found only four deaths, two of which were linked to diphtheria.
The investigation, conducted in collaboration with the Rano Local Government Area Rapid Response Team (RRT), identified several active and recovered cases. KNCDC Director-General, Professor Muhammad Adamu Abbas, emphasized the need for swift action due to the scale of the rumors. The investigation covered multiple locations in Rano, including Tsohon Gari, Sabuwar Kaura, Sabon Gari A, and Sakkwatawa.
Local leaders, including the Emir of Rano Emirate Council, were visited to mobilize support for early reporting, prompt care-seeking, and routine immunization. The team also documented seven suspected cases in Tsohon Gari, two deaths in Sabuwar Kaura, and 11 cases at Sakkwatawa health facility, none of whom had documented immunization histories.
The agency highlighted reliance on traditional healers and delayed care-seeking as significant risks. Immediate measures include intensified mosque-based sensitization, distribution of medicines to identified cases, and strengthening the Diphtheria Treatment Centre at Rano Emirate Hospital.
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